Semmelweis University opened its Winter University – Implantology Scientific Day with a focus on practical education in dental implants. Rector Dr. Béla Merkely, quoting the university’s namesake Ignác Semmelweis, emphasized that teaching should “be beneficial in practical life, not gather dust in libraries.”
Dr. Merkely highlighted the university’s pioneering role in organizing a conference specifically for students in the rapidly evolving field of implantology, giving them the chance to learn from world-class experts and apply the latest theoretical knowledge in practice.
He also praised student initiatives as key contributors to the institution’s growing international reputation, supported by the university’s ranking among the world’s top 200 in medical and health sciences by Times Higher Education.
Dr. Gábor Gerber, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, noted how implantology has transformed patient care. “When I started, we focused on removable dentures, but today most patients request fixed solutions—even in cases of jawbone loss,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of integrating implantology, periodontology, and prosthodontics into a cohesive approach, enabling dentists to recommend treatments while assessing associated risks. He also underscored that mastering surgical procedures requires years of practice.
Máté Szürös, Vice President for Education at HÖK and event organizer, said the Winter University aims to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the latest implantology procedures and techniques presented by internationally recognized experts. He thanked Dr. Péter Hermann, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs, for supporting the initiative from the outset.
The conference featured an online presentation by Dr. Anton Sculean, Chairman of the Department of Periodontology at the University of Bern and Secretary General of the European Federation of Periodontology, on periodontal surgical regenerative therapies.
Other sessions addressed topics such as peri-implant tissue stability, soft tissue regeneration around implants, augmentation techniques, autologous bone grafting, and the use of digital impressions to shape the peri-implant emergence profile.
Participating students from all years and language programs at the Faculty of Dentistry received elective credits for attending, gaining hands-on insights into cutting-edge developments in dental implantology.
