20/04/2026

Two fourth-year students on the Bachelor’s Degree in Dentistry complete the first placement at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine

María Giner and Berta Marchán have completed a two-week training placement at Southern Illinois University under the collaboration agreement signed between the two institutions. During their stay, they also took part in the Annual Research Day organised by the US university

The Faculty of Dentistry has taken a further step in its international engagement with the first student placement at the SIU School of Dental Medicine. Fourth-year students María Giner and Berta Marchán undertook a training placement from 6–17 April, becoming the first students from the Faculty to participate in this academic exchange programme.

During their stay, the two students followed a structured clinical programme that combined rotations across different specialties – including endodontics, oral surgery and periodontics – with theoretical sessions. “We had a very well-organised timetable that set out which clinic to attend and which specialty to observe each day, although we could also spend more time in the areas that interested us most,” they said.

In the clinical setting, María Giner and Berta Marchán highlighted the variety and complexity of the cases they observed. “We were able to observe procedures such as implant placement with a sinus lift, surgeries under general anaesthesia, gingival grafts, and the identification of oral cancer at different stages. We also assisted chairside, which allowed us to experience the procedures at close quarters,” they added.

The students also highlighted the cultural value of the placement, describing it as “a very well-rounded experience, both academically and personally”. Their stay was complemented by academic and social activities organised by third-year students at the SIU School of Dental Medicine.  

María Giner and Berta Marchán’s stay coincided with an institutional visit by the dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Dr Lluís Giner, and the Faculty manager, Dr Elisa Sanagustín. During their visit to the SIU School of Dental Medicine, they met with the dean of the School, Dr Saulius Drukteinis; Dr Denisse Cobb, vice-rector; and Dr Nathalia Garcia, vice-dean for Professional Development. The meetings focused on reviewing the School’s facilities, exploring new opportunities for collaboration and strengthening joint initiatives.

This student mobility forms part of the collaboration agreement between the two institutions, which aims to promote international learning opportunities and foster the exchange of knowledge in the field of dentistry.

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