Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Dentistry and Dr. Fazıl Küçük Faculty of Medicine Clinical Practice Center were opened on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 11:00 with an opening ceremony held at the Faculty of Dentistry.
In a speech after a minute of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, EMU Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Dr. Aydın Karakuzu stated that the Faculty of Dentistry and Dr. Fazıl Küçük Faculty of Medicine have brought new developments in the field of health. Stating that the quality of education of EMU, which celebrates its 40th anniversary, is accredited by international institutions, Prof. Dr. Karakuzu, stressed that EMU is a source of pride both for Turkey and the TRNC, with more than 60 thousand graduates and respected academics in many disciplines.
Providing information about the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Dr. Karakuzu stated that the first 2 years of education will be completed in EMU and the last 3 years at campuses in Istanbul or Ankara. Also giving information about the building, Prof. Dr. Karakuzu emphasized that the Faculty of Dentistry will provide oral dental health services to the region, Gazimagusa and to the TRNC, improving the quality of the faculty with full-time academicians. Prof. Dr. Karakuzu stated that work is underway to open master's and doctorate programs in the field of Dentistry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, EMU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Demirel emphasized how EMU was established as a technical university in 1979, and through development of its mission, has come to this point today. Since 2010 EMU turned to the field of Health and as a final act in this area, opened the Faculty of Dentistry. Expressing that EMU is at a point that provides quality education in all areas, while conducting scientific research and serving the society and the world, Prof. Dr. Demirel stated that universities have three important duties; contribution to education, science and society, and EMU has put forward a vision in terms of serving the society in the field of health.
Prof. Dr. Demirel went on to state that the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Faculty of Medicine Clinical Practice Center will contribute to increase the clinical skills of students, and emphasized that practical education is extremely important in addition to theoretical knowledge in medical education. Prof. Dr. Demirel thanked those who contributed to the opening of the Clinical Practice Center and the Faculty of Dentistry.
After the opening speeches and the certificates of appreciation to those who contributed, the President of the Board of Trustees Dr. Erdal Özcenk, EMU Acting Rector. Prof. Dr. Hasan Demirel, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Aydın Karakuzu, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Hamurtekin, and Board of Trustees members Ersun Kutup and Halil Ibrahim Orun opened the new building with the cutting of a ribbon.
