The Dental Clinic at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Mostar, offers Dental Medicine students the opportunity to gain practical experience by working with patients under the supervision of experienced mentors. Dea Fofić-Mikulić, a Dental Medicine student, shared her experiences regarding the daily challenges and benefits of working at the clinic, both for students and patients. In the interview, she revealed the skills students acquire during their practical work, the most sought-after services at the clinic, and how they prepare for the real clinical situations they will face in the future.
What practical skills do Dental Medicine students acquire during their practice at the Dental Clinic?
The practical skills students acquire during their practice include, first and foremost, communication with patients and thorough taking of medical, family, and dental history. Furthermore, students learn how to examine patients, diagnose, and treat various issues such as tooth restoration, root canal treatments, and tooth extractions. They also gain experience in working with different specialties of dental medicine, such as complete prosthetic rehabilitation of the oral cavity.
How does the practice at the Dental Clinic help students prepare for real clinical challenges?
The practice at the Dental Clinic enables students to work in real clinical situations. While theory may seem simple, practice often presents challenges that are not as straightforward as they seem. Therefore, practical experience in the Dental Clinic is incredibly valuable—patients come with various problems, and we, as students, have the chance to see real cases and apply our knowledge in real situations. Under the supervision of doctors, we learn everything from how to approach each patient, how to treat specific diseases and conditions, and ultimately, how to apply treatment methods and create a treatment plan. Through such work, we gain a deeper understanding of what we've learned from books and develop the confidence needed for independent work in the future.
Which services are most in demand among patients at the Dental Clinic?
When it comes to the most in-demand services, dental cleaning for tartar removal is certainly the most sought-after. However, patients are still not sufficiently informed about the importance of oral health, and often, services like tartar removal, which is a first step in dental treatment, lead to further procedures, such as cavity treatment, tooth extractions, or periodontal and prosthetic therapy.
What is the collaboration like with professors and doctors during practical work at the Dental Clinic?
The collaboration is very intense and focused on mentorship. Doctors supervise every step we take, review our work, guide us, and go over what we've learned with us. Before starting any procedure, we always discuss the method with the doctor, who advises us to ensure everything is done correctly. They also review each step to make sure the patients receive the best possible care.
Which patients most commonly visit the student clinic? Do you also work on treating dental conditions under general anesthesia?
The most common patients are other students, retirees, and those who cannot afford expensive treatments, for whom our free services are very valuable. As for treating dental conditions under general anesthesia, we don't perform these procedures ourselves, but we have the opportunity to assist the doctors or observe how they are carried out, which helps us learn and gain additional experience. It is also important to note that the clinic provides dental examinations and treatments for children with developmental disabilities, and we approach these cases with special care and understanding.
What are the reactions of patients to students’ work?
Most patients are aware that students are under the supervision of experienced mentors, which gives them confidence. Reactions are generally positive, as students put in great effort and attention to their work. Patients often tell us that "everyone has to start somewhere and have the opportunity to work," which is very encouraging for us, as it shows that patients understand the importance of our practical work with them.
How would you evaluate the work and atmosphere at the Dental Clinic?
The work in our dental clinic is very professional, but with a special emphasis on creating a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. While we are all dedicated to our tasks, we always have enough time to talk to patients to fully understand their needs. This approach not only helps provide quality service but also creates a friendly atmosphere that allows patients to feel comfortable. We have a professional relationship with our mentors, but they always leave room for discussion, advice, and support. Students are highly motivated and always willing to help each other, which strengthens the team spirit. This mutual assistance, with the continuous support of mentors, allows students to feel more confident and ready to face challenges in practice. As students, together with our doctors, we constantly strive to increase the number of appointments for our patients and expand the range of procedures we can perform at our clinic. This way, we aim to offer as many free services as possible to patients and cover a wider range of cases. In the future, we hope to expand our capacity, especially in the field of prosthetics, so we can help more patients. Our ambition is to improve services and provide better and more accessible dental care for patients while also offering students quality education through practical work.
The practice at the Dental Clinic at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Mostar, offers Dental Medicine students invaluable experience through direct work with patients and the supervision of experienced mentors. As student Dea points out, working with real clinical cases allows students not only to apply theoretical knowledge but also to develop the practical skills necessary for future independent work. With great support from professors and doctors, students gain the trust and confidence they need to tackle the challenges of dental practice. This approach not only contributes to quality education but also creates a positive atmosphere that benefits both students and patients, making the Dental Clinic a space for learning, growth, and the improvement of dental care.
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