Postgraduate Studies - Prosthodontics

Quality Policy of the School

Quality Policy of the Department

Quality Policy of the Postgraduate Program in Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh)

The Quality Policy of the MSc Program in Prosthodontics is fully aligned with the Quality Policy of the School of Dentistry and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as approved by the University Senate. It reflects the core values of the institution and aims to implement quality objectives related to the operation and organization of postgraduate programs. Specifically, it focuses on the continuous improvement of the program’s academic quality, as well as its educational, research, and administrative activities, ensuring alignment with contemporary academic and research requirements.

The School organizes and implements postgraduate programs of high standards in its major scientific fields, oriented towards modern trends and demands, thereby strengthening its academic profile. Additionally, the School is committed to fostering a creative research and work environment for all its staff—academic, research, and administrative—as well as cultivating an enriching academic environment for its students.

Quality is recognized as a fundamental element for realizing the School’s vision and fulfilling its mission; therefore, the development of a quality culture is considered essential.

The School of Dentistry and the administrative bodies of the MSc Program in Prosthodontics are committed to implementing a quality policy that supports the academic character and orientation of the program, promotes its objectives effectively, and consistently fulfills its strategic goals. At the same time, it continuously seeks appropriate actions and support measures for both students and academic, technical, and administrative staff, with the ultimate goal of continuously improving the curriculum, learning outcomes, and productive interaction between students and faculty. Furthermore, the School is committed to fostering a climate of communication and collaboration among all members (staff, students, and stakeholders).

The School of Dentistry and the MSc Program in Prosthodontics implement the established quality assurance procedures as described in the Quality Manual of the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) of AUTh, with the necessary program-specific adaptations. The implementation of IQAS procedures is carried out in collaboration with the University’s Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP). These quality assurance procedures constitute a valuable tool for the School and its postgraduate programs, enabling the implementation of teaching and research activities, ensuring the achievement of set objectives, and enhancing overall academic performance.

To implement this policy, the School and the MSc Program are committed to applying quality procedures that demonstrate:

  • the appropriateness of the structure and organization of the MSc Program,

  • that the intended learning outcomes and qualifications comply with the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education,

  • the promotion of quality and effectiveness in the program’s teaching and research activities,

  • the suitability of the qualifications of the teaching staff,

  • the development, implementation, and review of specific annual quality objectives to improve the program,

  • the demand and employability of the graduates’ qualifications in the labor market,

  • the quality of support services,

  • the efficient utilization of program resources, including tuition fees where applicable,

  • the conduct of annual internal evaluation and review of the quality assurance system for the MSc Program, in collaboration with the Internal Evaluation Group (OMEA) and MODIP of AUTh.

Procedures for Monitoring and Continuous Quality Improvement

The procedures applied for monitoring and continuously improving the quality of the MSc Program include:

  • Implementation of the program’s quality assurance policy, periodic review, and revision when required.

  • Program design in compliance with current legislation and AUTh regulations, taking into account, where feasible, the opinions of students, alumni, and collaborating partners.

  • Alignment with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.

  • Application of the program’s regulations and other university regulations and decisions.

  • Submission of individual course descriptors and syllabi to the MODIP information system by instructors.

  • Student evaluations of courses and instructors.

  • Various assessment methods for students.

  • Monitoring of graduates’ career development and professional placement.

  • Teaching staff selection, regulation, performance, and support.

  • Allocation and management of program resources (facilities, equipment, etc.).

  • Collection, processing, and analysis of complete, accurate, and up-to-date quality data to ensure program quality and improvement.

  • Monitoring, analysis, and benchmarking against national and international indicators.

  • Dissemination of information about the program.

  • Systematic and qualitative updating of the program’s website (in Greek, English, and possibly other languages) to share relevant program information.

  • Feedback mechanisms for strategy and objectives, review, action, and corrective measures when necessary.

  • Conducting an annual internal evaluation (monitoring, control, and review of the program) in accordance with the above and following the guidelines of HQA and MODIP.

  • Supporting external evaluation and certification procedures in collaboration with MODIP.

Quality Objectives

The quality objectives of the School of Dentistry for the MSc Program in Prosthodontics focus on high-quality education in fundamental and applied knowledge in Prosthodontics. The program aims to prepare graduates for providing high-level healthcare to patients of all ages requiring prosthetic restorations, equipping them with advanced skills and expertise necessary for successful scientific and professional development. This includes ethical and empathetic patient care, such as prosthetic treatment of special needs, geriatric, or pediatric patients with congenital or acquired conditions.

Specifically, the main pillars are:

Q.1 Ensuring the quality of educational provision

  • Q.1.1 Improve average graduation grades

  • Q.1.2 Reduce average duration of studies

  • Q.1.3 Increase student participation in course and instructor evaluations

  • Q.1.4 Increase average scores in course evaluations

  • Q.1.5 Strengthen academic advising

  • Q.1.6 Increase annual graduation rate

  • Q.1.7 Promote a culture of quality within the program

  • Q.1.8 Expand offered program positions

  • Q.1.9 Optimize student–faculty ratio

  • Q.1.10 Increase the proportion of external teaching collaborators

  • Q.1.11 Increase courses using innovative techniques/methods

  • Q.1.12 Ensure high-level knowledge and skills of collaborating teaching staff

Q.2 Research excellence

  • Q.2.1 Increase the number of peer-reviewed publications in international journals

  • Q.2.2 Increase citations per faculty member (Scopus/Google Scholar)

  • Q.2.3 Submission of funded research projects

Q.3 Internationalization

  • Q.3.1 Improve program visibility nationally and internationally

  • Q.3.2 Promote student mobility

  • Q.3.3 Attract international students

  • Q.3.4 Attract visiting professors from foreign institutions

  • Q.3.5 Participate in activities of the EPICUR European University Alliance

  • Q.3.6 Obtain accreditation and certification from international organizations

Q.4 Engagement with society and the labor market

  • Q.4.1 Systematic dissemination and promotion of program content, acquired skills, and career prospects

  • 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.