World-class Equipment in the Renovated Simulation Facility at the Faculty of Odontology
On Tuesday, the renovated simulation facility at the Faculty of Odontology of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) opened its doors. The training facility, located at Kalniečių Street, will offer students the opportunity to enhance their practical skills and prepare for real-world patient care using innovative dental simulation methods.
Leading Faculty in Lithuania
Equipped with the state-of-the-art technology, the training facility enables future dentists and oral hygienists to simulate dental procedures, monitor their progress, and practise using digitised case studies based on real patients.
“Dentistry is of great importance to the University,” remarked Prof. Dr Rimantas Benetis, Rector of LSMU, during the opening ceremony. He emphasised that the University strives to be at the forefront of science and to shape the latest scientific trends in the market.
Prof. Habil. Dr Vaiva Lesauskaitė, Vice-Rector for Research, expressed pride in the LSMU Faculty of Odontology, describing it as the strongest odontology school in Lithuania.
“The Faculty’s scientific evaluation scores are rising, and I hope that this new equipment will lead to even greater breakthroughs,” said the Vice-Rector.
Prof. Dr Kęstutis Petrikonis, Vice-Rector for Studies, noted the joy and enthusiasm of students at the opening ceremony and encouraged the community to continue to foster this positive atmosphere.
“Simulation-based learning has this special aspect – it brings joy, and people should be happy, enjoy what they are doing, as it prepares them for the rewarding experience of treating real patients,” he said.
According to Prof. Dr Dainius Razukevičius, Dean of the Faculty of Odontology, this is a significant step in ehancing the quality of education in odontology and training highly skilled specialists. He expressed gratitude to Prof. Dr Rimantas Benečius, Rector of LSMU, the Vice-Rectors Prof. Habil. Dr Vaiva Lesauskaitė and Prof. Dr Kęstutis Petrikonis, the Chancellor of the Academy of Medicine Prof. Habil. Dr Daiva Rastenyte, the Director for Finance and Administration Mrs Laima Matuseviciene, for their support of the initiative, and all colleagues for their active contribution.
“This training facility is a stepping stone to the larger infrastructure,” said the Dean, referring to the construction of the new Faculty building planned in the future.
A Level of Technology only Few Can Match
The simulation facility at the Faculty of Dentistry features the most advanced jaw orthopaedics, dentistry, and oral hygiene simulators in Lithuania. The major highlight of the renewed unit is the 3D simulators, and the Faculty has acquired ten units.
“This is the state-of-the-art equipment. Not every European university can boast a 3D simulation room like this, let alone ten simulators,” said Dr Albertas Kriaučiūnas, an orthopaedic dentist and head of simulation activities at the Faculty of Odontology. “This allows entire student groups to learn and develop their manual skills at the same time.”
He highlighted the important role of simulations in moving from theoretical learning to clinical practice for the students. For example, preclinical simulators closely resemble actual dental chairs.
“The preclinical simulators enable the students to fully replicate the procedures they’ll later perform on real patients. The chair features an adjustable headrest and backrest. This allows the students to work in an ergonomically correct position – just as they will during clinical practice when performing procedures,” explained the coordinator of the simulation activities.
The renovated simulation facility will be used by various departments of the Faculty, and students will be able to start practicing in this facility starting their second year of study.
