Interview with Marianthi P., dental student

Marianthi Papasarafianou is a fourth year student of Dentistry at the Medical University of Plovdiv. She answered our questions especially for those interested in studying in Bulgaria in the specialty of dentistry.

Why did you choose to study in Bulgaria?How is it different? from education in Greece?

I chose to study at the English-speaking university in Bulgaria, mainly because of the professional opportunities it offers me on an international level.
The entrance exams are relatively difficult, but with targeted preparation and proper guidance, success is possible. It is worth emphasizing that these exams require knowledge of anatomy, which we do not acquire in Greek high schools. In my opinion, this course should be given more attention by prospective students of Bulgarian universities.

How did you prepare for the entrance exams for Bulgarian universities?

In all honesty, the whole process for the entrance exams was difficult. The difficulty was mainly due to the fact that I started preparing right after the end of the national exams. The problem in Greece is that the system gives you only one chance every year.

I didn’t want to relive the stress and emotional strain of the national exams and decided to try out for a university in Bulgaria.

The first step was to talk to Greek students already studying in Bulgarian universities. Then I oriented myself towards the Plovdiv Medical University because it was one of the first universities in the rating and ranking system for medical universities.

My parents contacted a representative of SB-ACADEMY STUDY IN BULGARIA. The office was recommended to us by other parents from Greece whose children were already studying in Bulgaria. From the company, they suggested us to visit Plovdiv and the dental department that I was interested in.

We made this move and with a representative of SB-ACADEMY STUDY IN BULGARIA we went together to Plovdiv Medical University.

The School of Dentistry was located in a brand new separate building. Which was with well-equipped lecture halls, simulators, pre-clinical and clinical rooms. I saw new clinical training rooms in the field of dental implantology.

• We understood that the university has bilateral agreements concluded with scientific institutions in Latvia, Italy, Spain, Finland, Greece, Spain, Finland and Turkey.
• The research activity of the Department of Dentistry aims at the application of new methods and technologies.
• The School of Dentistry also organises international forums and provides opportunities. It encourages its faculty to participate in national and international scientific events.

I also met dental students who told me about their lives and their studies at the University.

This led me to make the decision that I would do my best to be accepted at this university.

My preparation for the entrance exam lasted about a month. I had the necessary knowledge in chemistry, but I had to focus on biology because of my lack of knowledge in anatomy and to practice my English because I decided to study dentistry in English.

I attended the preparatory seminar organized by SB-ACADEMY STUDY IN BULGARIA and my admission to the university was with excellent grades.

What made it easier for me and my parents was that we didn’t have to do any translation or paperwork.

The company had prepared everything and as soon as I passed the exam with a representative of the company we went to pay the fees at the university bank.

In the end, they helped me with everything. We found an apartment to rent together, opened a bank account together and applied for internet. They even showed me how to pay for all my bills. They were on hand with anything else that came up depending on my needs.

We are still together today. I go to their office to have a coffee, share my experiences etc… It’s nice to know that you have people who are looking after you and guiding you in a foreign country.

Do you think there is a formula for completing a dental residency?

There is no formula, but the key word is “passion”. You have to be very good at your training, or at least very dedicated to it.

It is important that you are always present at lectures and workshops. It is also important to seek to gain additional practical knowledge outside the university.

This year I applied and was approved by the programme <<Student practices>> with the help of SB-ACADEMY STUDY IN BULGARIA. This program gives me the opportunity to work in dental practices or clinics together with a dentist and academic mentor. The aim is to gain a lot of additional practical knowledge.

Tell us about your studies at Plovdiv Medical University? Do students choose the courses they want to take? How are the courses conducted? How are the examinations held? How are studies completed – by exams or a thesis? Anything you can describe would be valuable.

The university is divided into 4 faculties: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy , school of public health and the medical college.

The medical college prepares nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, dental technicians.

There is also a language and special education department – for learning the Bulgarian language.

The curriculum consists of compulsory and elective courses.

For dentistry the compulsory courses are 46 and the elective courses are 6 in total.

The study time is 5 years or 10 semesters and then 6 months of undergraduate internship before the degree. Our education ends with taking 6 state exams which are taken under the supervision of a state examination board.

During the undergraduate internship each student works on and prepares a completed clinical case.

The exam consists of a practical and theoretical part.

The theoretical part of the examination is written and oral. We have to answer one or two questions in writing based on the material we have been taught. The next part of the exam is the oral part. In this we discuss with the professor on these two questions or anything else he/she thinks we should be tested on.

WhoThe teacher of your schoolyour impressionat more? What won’t you forget from his lectures?

I cannot fail to mention Professor Dr. Veselina Kondeva, MD. Professor with great experience and love for her students and her profession. Currently she is also the Dean of the School of Dentistry. She loves her job and is a great teacher. She devotes a lot of time to her students. It is true that all the students appreciate her very much. In the best teacher survey among all students in the school during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 academic year, she was unanimously selected as the best teacher in the Department of Dentistry.

It is no coincidence that she is distinguished by her students here as one of the best teachers. She always takes the time to listen to her students and find the most appropriate way to dialogue with them.

Of course, the school employs many assistants and established teachers who deserve our respect.

How it takes care of the dental department their students of its students?

Of course, the most important thing for me is not the direct care, because it is not their obligation, but the way we are trained at the University. I believe that the University has a huge responsibility to provide quality teachers, good facilities and to keep up with all the innovations in the field in which students study.

In this respect, the University and in particular the School of Dentistry offers students remarkable opportunities.

Students have the opportunity to participate in seminars, scientific forums with the participation of students organized by the university and the Department of Dentistry.

For example Science and Youth, Hand in Hand, Academy of Laser Dentistry, students present together with their teachers the results of the cycle activities or elective courses and inter-university projects. Students are also included in research projects.

During the training there is a large amount of pre-clinical training and clinical activities in all specialties. We get to know the work of dental technicians, nurses and paramedics, which informs their activities and allows us to know what to require of them in independent work after graduation. This training program makes us ready to start independent practice, fully prepared.

The research activity of the Department of Dentistry aims to apply new methods and technologies, for example:

• Bilateral agreements have been concluded with scientific institutions in Latvia, Italy, Spain, Finland, Greece, Spain, Finland and Turkey. There are joint meetings and discussions in Greece on the cross-border cooperation project. The Association of Pediatric Dentists holds joint forums in Greece – Kavala, Chanioti and others.
• The School of Dental Medicine organises international forums and provides opportunities and encourages its faculty to participate in national and international scientific events.

Centres for high-tech work have been opened at the school: Laser Centre, Implant Centre, SAD/CAM Centre and 3D printing. Students have access to these activities during their studies.

In these centres, practical courses are organised for the continuing education of dentists.

The entire campus is covered by a fixed Internet connection, which aims to facilitate communication between students.

Also the replacement of courses due to health issues is always possible, after direct communication with the responsible teacher.

As I mentioned above, SB-ACADEMY STUDY IN BULGARIA is always there for me, from making an appointment with a doctor to organizing a birthday party, if needed, they are always available.

How often can you return to Greece?

Three times a year – for Christmas (1 week), Easter (1 week) and summer (July and August).

Is it difficult to be away from your family and Greece? How do you overcome it?overcome this;

As you can understand it is quite difficult, but my communication with them is constant.In addition, when school commitments allow me to travel to Greece, I can travel to Greece.It has never been a huge problem for me because I have always been very independent.

How many Greeks are currently in MU – Plovdiv? Do you communicate with each other? As far as I know, you are one of the most united communities?

There are about 1000 Greek students from different disciplines. We also communicate – both when we are in our home country and in Bulgaria. There are 7-8 of us who make closer company. We regularly get together at friends’ apartments and have small student parties or visit nightclubs. We help each other with everyday things. Overall, we are a happy family who look out for each other.

How many international students are there? Which countries dominate?

The Department of Dentistry accepts about 100 international students every year. The number of Greek students trained from the 1st to the 6th year is 92.

Approximately 400-500 international students are admitted every year. Most of them come from the United Kingdom and most from Greece. There is a separate number of admissions for Bulgarian and foreign students for each speciality. Apart from Greeks, British, there are Italians, Germans, Cypriots and students from other countries.

How to seeτε yourselfyourself in five years? And after 10 years?

At the moment, I am thinking that once I get my degree I will work in my specialty and prepare a thesis for my doctorate, because the university offers accredited doctoral programs in all scientific dental specialties, in English there is an accredited doctorate in the prosthodontic dentistry program.

After 10 years, I really want to have my own dental practice, teach students and have other young students form their skills and interests with my help.

Learning the Bulgarian language, the friendly contacts even with the professors will allow me to invest in my continuing education in the dental department.

What do you dodo in your free time your in Plovdiv? And in Greece?

In Plovdiv I like to walk. The city is beautiful with many historical monuments and beautiful nature and large parks. Plovdiv and the university provide students with the opportunity for a full and varied life. There are many sports activities and stadiums provided and accessible to all.In Greece I spend time with my loved ones,which I miss especially during my stay in Bulgaria.

What would you like to say to your family in Greece?

I thank them for the financial and psychological support.I will tell them the rest personally when I visit them in Greece.

What you have learned so far from life and you want to share it with us.

That everything always goes smoothly. Hard work and determination always pays off (maybe later, but it happens). If someone has been researching something for many years and is recognized for their work, they probably know more than you do about the subject. Trust him or her after thinking about what he or she has told you first.

What advice will you giveεto the current candidates for the medical universities in Bulgaria?

1. Do not despair if you are not accepted in Greece. Follow your dreams and use the opportunity that Bulgaria gives you.In general, open your horizons.
2. Choose a study consultancy carefully. Try to be with a company that is based in Bulgaria and will be there for you.
3. Regardless of what is said, in Bulgaria no one “gives” you a degree. It takes a lot of study and planning to complete your studies successfully.

Thanks to SB-ACADEMY STUDY IN BULGARIA for being by my side from the beginning until today.

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