Curious to know about a place where smiles are crafted and oral health is championed? That’s the Facultad de Odontología of the UNAM. Since its foundation, the Facultad de Odontología has trained professionals of international excellence. These professionals excel in their field in their country. They maintain a tradition of professional quality and service.
The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México is among the world’s top 200 universities. It celebrated its centennial on September 22, 2010. This makes it one of Latin America’s oldest universities. Students from different countries study here. They become ambassadors practicing the motto “Proudly UNAM”. This motto has crossed borders.
In 1904, the Consultorio Nacional de Enseñanza Dental began. The Congress of the Union announced it. The announcement stated that for the first time in Mexico a complete system of education for dentists was organized. This filled a void in education. Ricardo Crombé was the director. Juan Falero, Teofilo Valdés, Alfredo Reguera, Jose Rojo and Ricardo Figueroa were teachers. Seven male students enrolled in the first class. The first three dental surgeons graduated in 1907. They completed a three-year program. Preparatory studies became a requirement in 1912. In 1914, it gained official recognition as a professional career. It was part of the Universidad Nacional de México.
The Ciudad Universitaria project planned a new building for the ENO. Three professors advised on the project. The design served 800 students. In 1970, student demand increased. Decentralization policies promoted building peripheral clinics. Construction of the first four began in 1971. These clinics aimed to decrease students at CU. They extended affordable dental service to marginalized areas. They also increased practice for final-year students.
The Facultad de Odontología joined the Association for Dental Education in Europe. It became the first Mexican institution in the ADEE. Francisco Javier Marichi Rodríguez received the certificate in London. Harmonizing with Europe allows easier academic exchanges for students. They can join research with higher education institutions. This applies to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The ADEE improves teaching, research, and professional development. It promotes collaboration among dental schools worldwide.
Cristina Manzanares reviewed the Facultad de Odontología’s plans. She found them viable. She sent a report to the European community. The ADEE presented the certificate in Liverpool. The next step is to update the curriculum. This allows work with the Erasmus Program. Erasmus provides scholarships for students worldwide. It is funded by the European Union.
Every February 9th, Mexico celebrates Dentist’s Day. The professionalization of dentistry in Mexico began in the 19th century. In 1841, the Superior Council of Salubrity regulated the profession. In 1902, the first Dentist Surgeon curriculum was approved. In 1904, the National Dental Education Office opened.
Dentists play an important role in preventing oral diseases. They promote oral health. Tooth decay is a prevalent disease worldwide. It affects over 2.4 billion people. Oral health impacts general health. Tooth loss affects chewing ability. Dental infections link to arthritis and endocarditis. Gum diseases link to cardiovascular diseases. Mexico’s Ministry of Health has an Oral Health Program. It aims to maintain health and reduce oral morbidity. The program includes promotion, prevention, and rehabilitation.
The Facultad de Odontología stands as a beacon of knowledge. It promotes oral health. It serves as a testament to Mexico’s commitment. It underlines the importance of dental education. The Facultad de Odontología continues to shape the future of dentistry.