Research Division: Innovative technologies in dental medicine
Description:
Department of Advanced Technologies in Dental Medicine
The Department of Advanced Technologies in Dental Medicine is part of the Research Institute at Medical University – Plovdiv (RIMU) and unites three leading research groups:
• Innovative Technologies in Dental Implantology, headed by Prof. Dr. Angelina Vlahova, PhD;
• CAD/CAM Technologies, headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stefan Zlatev, PhD;
• Laser and Physical Dental Medicine, headed by Prof. Dr. Elena Firkova, PhD.
The department conducts advanced scientific, innovative, and educational activities in key areas of contemporary dental medicine, with a focus on:
• Laser technologies and physical therapy methods in dental practice;
• CAD/CAM design and fabrication of prosthetic dental restorations;
• Modern approaches and biomaterials in dental implantology;
• Digitalization and integration of emerging technologies into dental treatment protocols.
Key priorities include:
• Development of innovative products and services for clinical dental practice;
• Applied research aimed at translation into real-world clinical settings;
• Implementation and dissemination of modern educational methods and technologies;
• Creation of interdisciplinary programmes for students, residents, and postgraduate dental professionals.
Research activities:
The research teams are actively involved in:
• Participation in national and international research projects;
• Joint programme development with leading European universities and research centres;
• Organization of hands-on training courses aimed at disseminating good practices and current innovations among students, trainees, and practicing dental professionals.
Educational mission:
The department plays an essential role in contemporary dental education, offering opportunities for integrating cutting-edge technologies into the curriculum, fostering interdisciplinary thinking and teamwork and developing competencies for working in digitally advanced clinical environments, focused on personalized dental treatment.
The head of Department of Advanced Technologies in Dental Medicine is Prof. Dr. Elena Firkova, PhD.
The research teams are formed on a functional basis for the needs of current research projects which are in an active process of studies and implementation.
Group "Innovative Technologies in Dental Implantology" - Head Prof. Dr. Angelina Vlahova, PhD;
Members: Ass. Prof. Dr. I. Chenchev, PhD, Ass. Prof. Dr. I. Hristov, PhD; Ass. Prof. Dr. Zl. Tomova, PhD; Ass. Prof. Dr. V. Ivanova, Dr. T. Gavrailov, PhD; Dr. L. Chenchev.
Active projects:
1. HO-08/2024 "Comparative clinical, radiological and endoscopic evaluation of the survival of dental implants placed after maxillary sinus floor elevation with two different methods of crestal access";
CAD/CAM Group - headed by Prof. Stefan Zlatev, MD;
Active Projects:
1. “Investigation of the strength of the relationship between the implant abutments and fixed crowns by means of three types of semi-permanent cements;
2. NO - 01/2024 "Investigation of the effectiveness of zinc-containing splints in gingival inflammation - laboratory and clinical studies";
3. 3.4.12/2024 - "Quantification of metal ions and isoprostanes in saliva - determination of reference values and establishment of rapid detection methods".
Group "Laser and Physical Dental Medicine" - Head Prof. Dr. Elena Firkova, PhD.
Members: Ass. Prof. Dr. B. Yaneva, PhD; Dr. M. Mutafchieva, PhD; Ass. Prof. Dr. A. Dinkova, PhD and Dr. P. Shentov.
Active projects:
1. HPV-associated oral lesions;
2. Laser Doppler Flowmetry in Periodontology.
Completed projects:
1. Project № KP-06-MNF/12 of 14.12.2018 to the Scientific Research Fund of the Ministry of Education and Science for "Support of International Scientific Forums in the Republic of Bulgaria";
2. Effectiveness of antibacterial photodynamic therapy in the non-surgical treatment of moderate chronic periodontitis;
3. Determination of antimicrobial activity of probiotic strains of lactobacilli against periodontopathogenic microorganisms;
4. Application of low-intensity diode laser therapy (810nm) in patients with oral Lichen planus-immunobiological effects;
5. Laser-assisted therapy of peri-implantitis (physical, microbiological and electron microscopic studies).
