PhD Program in Prosthetic Dentistry

Programme Overview

The PhD Programme in Prosthodontics at Lokman Hekim University was established by the decision of the Council of Higher Education dated 24 March 2021. The programme is delivered in Turkish and offered on a full-time basis. The standard duration of study is four years.

Prosthodontics is a specialised field of dentistry concerned with the functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of patients with partial or complete tooth loss. The programme provides advanced clinical training grounded in evidence-based dentistry and contemporary technological applications. It integrates conventional prosthetic treatment approaches with modern developments in digital dentistry and advanced restorative systems.

The programme aims to educate highly competent clinician-scientists who combine advanced clinical expertise with research capacity and academic professionalism.

Degree Awarded

Graduates who successfully complete all programme requirements are awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Prosthodontics.

Admission and Registration Requirements

Applications, admissions, and registration procedures are conducted in accordance with the Graduate Education Regulations of the Institute of Health Sciences at Lokman Hekim University.

Applicants must hold a degree from a Faculty of Dentistry. Graduates of foreign dental schools must obtain official recognition or equivalency from the Turkish Council of Higher Education.

Admission to the doctoral programme is based on a written and or oral examination. Final ranking is determined in accordance with institutional regulations and announced quotas.

Programme Objectives

The programme seeks to educate dentists who are capable of:

• Diagnosing and planning treatment for patients with partial and complete edentulism

• Applying advanced prosthetic rehabilitation techniques

• Managing complex clinical cases involving implant-supported prostheses, maxillofacial prosthetics, and temporomandibular disorders

• Integrating digital workflows and contemporary ceramic systems into clinical practice

In addition to advanced clinical training, the programme promotes scientific research competence, encourages participation in national and international academic activities, and supports the development of independent scholarly production.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced theoretical and clinical knowledge in Prosthodontics and related disciplines

• Critically evaluate scientific literature and integrate evidence into clinical decision-making

• Apply contemporary prosthetic techniques and advanced dental materials effectively

• Design and conduct scientific research using appropriate methodological and statistical approaches

• Plan, manage, and present innovative research and clinical projects independently

• Prepare scientific manuscripts and present research findings at national and international academic platforms

• Collaborate across disciplines and demonstrate academic leadership

• Act in accordance with professional and ethical principles

Programme Structure, Credits and ECTS

The doctoral curriculum consists of:

• At least seven courses with a minimum of 21 national credits

• One seminar course

• Doctoral qualifying examination

• Thesis proposal

• Doctoral dissertation

Students must complete a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, with at least 60 ECTS per academic year.

One ECTS corresponds to 30 hours of total student workload.

Academic Regulations and Progression Rules

Coursework must be completed within a maximum of two years with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00. Students who do not meet this requirement are not eligible to sit for the doctoral qualifying examination.

To take the qualifying examination, candidates must obtain a minimum score of 60 on a central foreign language examination recognised by the Council of Higher Education, or an equivalent score on an internationally recognised examination accepted by the national authorities.

Following the successful completion of the qualifying examination, a Thesis Monitoring Committee is appointed. The doctoral candidate must defend the thesis proposal within six months.

During the dissertation phase, at least three monitoring reports must be submitted. The final thesis defence consists of a public presentation followed by an examination session. The jury may decide on acceptance, revision, or rejection.

Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment procedures are implemented in accordance with the Graduate Education Regulations of Lokman Hekim University. Course performance, qualifying examination results, and thesis evaluation are conducted under the supervision of authorised academic committees.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must:

• Successfully complete all coursework

• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00

• Complete at least 240 ECTS credits

• Pass the doctoral qualifying examination

• Successfully defend the doctoral dissertation before a jury

The official graduation date corresponds to the date on which the dissertation is successfully defended.

Further Academic Progression

Graduates may pursue academic careers in higher education institutions and, upon meeting the required national criteria, may apply for an associate professorship.

Career Prospects

Graduates may pursue careers in:

• Universities and academic institutions

• Research and application centres

• Public and private healthcare institutions

• Clinical practice as specialists in Prosthodontics

• Advanced restorative and implant dentistry units

Mode of Study and Class Timetable

The programme is offered on a full-time basis.

Programme Coordinator and Contact

Prof. Dr. Lale Karaağaçlıoğlu
Head of the Department of Prosthodontics
Email: lale.karaagaclioglu@lokmanhekim.edu.tr
Phone: +90 444 8 548
Extension: 6704