Department Quality Policy for Postgraduate Programs
The establishment of postgraduate programs (PGPs) is included in the long-term development plan of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), the School of Dentistry, and the School of Health Sciences at AUTh, and forms part of the University’s overall strategic planning. The objectives of postgraduate studies are:
a) the advancement of knowledge,
b) the development of research,
c) the fulfillment of the educational, research, social, cultural, and developmental needs of the country,
d) the training of highly qualified scientists capable of contributing to both theoretical and applied aspects of specific scientific fields, and
e) the production and dissemination of knowledge, expertise, methodological tools, and research outcomes in the respective scientific domain of each Department/School.
The strategic plan of AUTh identifies, as an action of academic development strategy, the need for high-level postgraduate programs in the field of Prosthodontics, specifically addressing:
a) the most contemporary scientific requirements of society for specialized dentists,
b) innovative applications of dental technology,
c) the organization of health services in Prosthodontics, and
d) staffing with specialized academic personnel, as well as collaboration with private dental service providers.
Quality Assurance Policy
The Quality Assurance Policy of the School of Dentistry is fully aligned with the Quality Policy of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
The School of Dentistry ensures the safeguarding and enhancement of the quality of its teaching, research, and administrative activities through continuous improvement of all functions and the participation and contribution of all members.
The School organizes and implements postgraduate programs of high standards in the most significant fields of the discipline, oriented toward modern trends and requirements, thereby strengthening its academic profile. Additionally, the School is committed to fostering a creative research and work environment for all its personnel—academic, research, and administrative—as well as a stimulating academic environment for its students.
Quality is recognized as a fundamental element for realizing the School’s vision and fulfilling its mission; therefore, cultivating a culture of quality is considered essential.
Implementation of Quality Policy – Quality Assurance
The School of Dentistry and the MSc Program in Prosthodontics are committed to implementing the quality policy, which strengthens the academic profile and orientation of postgraduate programs, advances their objectives and subject matter, fulfills their annual strategic goals, defines the means, actions, and methods for achieving them, ensures stakeholder participation, and applies the recommended internal and external quality procedures to ensure continuous improvement. Furthermore, the School is committed to fostering a climate of communication and collaboration among all members (staff, students, and stakeholders).
The School and the MSc Program follow the established quality assurance procedures of the Quality Manual of the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) of AUTh, with program-specific adaptations as required. The implementation of IQAS procedures is conducted in collaboration with the University’s Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP). Quality assurance procedures constitute a valuable tool for the School and its PGPs, enabling the implementation of teaching and research activities, ensuring the achievement of objectives, and enhancing the overall academic output.
To implement this policy, the School and the MSc Program commit to applying quality procedures that demonstrate:
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the suitability of the structure and organization of the MSc Program,
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that the intended learning outcomes and qualifications comply with the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (Level 7),
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the promotion of quality and effectiveness in teaching and research activities,
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the adequacy of the qualifications of the teaching staff for the program,
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the development, implementation, and review of specific annual quality objectives for program improvement,
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the employability and demand for graduates’ qualifications in the labor market,
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the quality of support services,
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the efficient utilization of program resources, including tuition fees when applicable,
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the conduct of annual internal evaluation and review of the quality assurance system for the MSc Program in Prosthodontics, in collaboration with OMEA and MODIP of AUTh.
Additionally, various procedures are applied to monitor and continuously improve program quality, including:
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implementation of the program’s quality policy and periodic review,
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student evaluations of courses and instructors,
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collection, processing, and analysis of quality data,
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dissemination of program information,
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annual internal evaluation, among others.
Quality Objectives
The quality objectives on which the School of Dentistry focuses for the MSc Program in Prosthodontics are as follows:
Q.1 Ensuring the quality of educational provision
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Q.1.1 Improve average graduation grades
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Q.1.2 Reduce average duration of studies
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Q.1.3 Increase student participation in course/instructor evaluations
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Q.1.4 Increase average course evaluation scores
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Q.1.5 Strengthen academic advising
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Q.1.6 Increase annual graduation rate
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Q.1.7 Promote a culture of quality within the program
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Q.1.8 Expand offered program positions
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Q.1.9 Optimize student–faculty ratio
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Q.1.10 Increase the proportion of external teaching collaborators
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Q.1.11 Increase the proportion of courses employing innovative techniques/methods
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Q.1.12 Ensure high-level knowledge and skills of collaborating teaching staff
Q.2 Research excellence
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Q.2.1 Increase peer-reviewed publications in international journals
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Q.2.2 Increase citations per faculty member (Scopus/Google Scholar)
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Q.2.3 Submission of funded research projects
Q.3 Internationalization
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Q.3.1 Improve program recognition nationally and internationally
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Q.3.2 Promote student mobility
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Q.3.3 Attract international students
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Q.3.4 Attract visiting professors from foreign institutions
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Q.3.5 Participate in activities of the EPICUR European University Alliance
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Q.3.6 Obtain accreditation and certification from international organizations
Q.4 Engagement with society and the labor market
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Q.4.1 Systematic dissemination and promotion of the program content, acquired skills, and career prospects
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Q.4.2 Strengthen student interaction with professional organizations
Dissemination
The Quality Policy is communicated and disseminated to academic and administrative staff, students, and other stakeholders. It is published on the official website of the MSc Program.