FDM

In 1991, by Decree № 197/07.10.1991 was established the Department of Orthodontics in the Faculties of Dental Medicine – Sofia and Plovdiv.

Development of the Orthodontics specialty

1938 г. – First publication in a journal “Zabolekarski Pregled” (Dental Review) - Dr. Zhecho Koev.
1942 г. – An Orthodontic section was established at the Department of Surgery of the newly opened Dental Division at the Medical Faculty, Sofia University, directed by Professor Slavcho Davidov. Later Orthodontics developed as an independent discipline, requiring an exam.
1952 г. – Orthodontics is a division of the Department of Orthopedic Dentistry.
1991 г. – Autonomous Department.
1992 г. – А section in Orthodontics was established at the BNDS (Bulgarian National Democratic Union) with Senior Research fellow, 2nd degree Dr. V. Mutafchiev as chairman.
1997 г. – The Section develops into Bulgarian Orthodontic Society, which unites the orthodontists in Bulgaria. The previously mentioned is a co-founder and member of the European Orthodontic Society and the World Federation of Orthodontists. Most of the members of the Bulgarian Orthodontic Society are individual members of the Balkan Association of Orthodontic Specialists, European Orthodontic Society, World Federation of Orthodontists. Each year, a one-day conference is held on with renowned keynote speakers from around the world.

Founders and Heads of the Department

Former Heads of Department

Prof. Dr. Valentin Mutafchiev – Head of the Department in the period 1992 - 2008

Education and Career:

1968 - completed a degree in Dentistry at the Faculty of Stomatology, Sofia
1973 - Specialist in Orthopedic Dentistry with Orthodontics
1982 - Doctoral degree on the topic “A study on the diastema of permanent incisors - etiology and variations in mixed dentition”
September 1979 - March 1980 – Specialization at the Institute of Dentistry, Salpetriera, Paris, France
June 1994 – Faculty of Dentistry, Geneva; Specialization - Prof. J. P. Yoho

Experience:

from 2004 until now - Manager at VALOR Orthodontic Clinic;
2001-2003 – Vice-President of the European Federation of Orthodontics;
1999 - Professor at the Faculty of Stomatology, Sofia;
1999-2003 – Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Stomatology, Sofia;
1992-2008 – Head of the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Sofia;
1992-2008 – Chairman of the Bulgarian Orthodontic Society;
1990-1994 – Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Stomatology, Sofia;
1989-1999 – Associate Professor at the School of Stomatology, Department of Orthodontics;
1971-1989 – Assistant at the School of Stomatology, Department of Orthopedic Dentistry with Orthodontics;
March 1971 - December 1971 – Orthodontist at the Regional Dental Clinic, Gabrovo;
1968-1971 – Dentist at the Health Services, Plachkovtsi, Bulgaria.

Prof. Dr. Vera Borisova Krumova – Head of the Department in the period 2008 - 2013

Education and Career:

2011-2013 – Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs;
2010-2011 – Vice Dean of Academic Affairs;
2008-2013 – Head of the Department of Orthodontics;
2005 - Specialty in General Dentistry;
2004-2007 – Vice Dean of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor in the Department of Orthodontics;
1996-1997 – Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs;
1994-1996 – Vice Dean of Research;
1979 – Specialty Orthopedic Dentistry with Orthodontics;
1972 – completed a degree in Dentistry at the Faculty of Stomatology, Sofia.

Prof. Laura Stefanova Andreeva-Gurgurieva, PhD, DSc - Head of the Department of Orthodontics (2013–2021)

Academic and Administrative Positions:

2020–2024 – Vice Dean for Clinical and Diagnostic Activities
2013–2021 – Head of the Department of Orthodontics
2005 – Specialty in General Dentistry
1992 – Specialty in Orthodontics
1990 – Specialty in Social Medicine and Healthcare Organization
1989 – Assistant at the Department of Orthopedics, Orthodontics Division
1984 – Research Associate at the Scientific-Organizational Section of the Faculty of Dental Medicine
1978–1983 – Higher Education in Dentistry

Academic Titles and Positions:

Teaching Activities:

Lectures on Orthodontics for 4th and 5th-year students
Lectures on Orthodontics for postgraduate trainees
Scientific supervisor for postgraduate trainees
Core courses in Orthodontics, Prosthetic Dental Medicine, Pediatric Dental Medicine, Orthodontic module in the General Dentistry course, qualification courses for dental nurses
Short-term qualification courses on diagnosis and treatment of dentoalveolar deformities and anomalies
Qualification courses “Steps in Fixed Technique” – 4 modules
Scientific supervisor of PhD students in Orthodontics – 8 successfully defended dissertations

Research Activity and Publications:

Over 200 publications and scientific contributions in Bulgaria and abroad; numerous citations
Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Sciences
Co-author of 6 monographs and textbooks
Participation in 10 research projects
Awards for scientific activity: Sigma Laudis and Panacea

Editorial and Professional Memberships:

Editor-in-Chief, Orthodontic Review (2008 – 2022)
Member of Editorial Boards: Dental Medicine and Medinfo (2013 – 2021)
Chair, Commission for Evaluation of Non-Habilitated Faculty
Member, Commission for Quality Assurance in Education, Medical University – Sofia (2006 – 2020)
Member, Commission for Evaluation of Habilitated Faculty (2022)
Deputy Chair, Accreditation Commission of Bulgarian Dental Association (2020 – 2024)

Member of:
Bulgarian Dental Association
Bulgarian Orthodontic Society
Bulgarian Society of Lingual Orthodontics
Bulgarian Aligner Society
European Orthodontic Association
Italian Orthodontic Association
World Orthodontic Association
Balkan Association of Orthodontic Specialists
Pierre Fauchard Academy
Association of Francophone Orthodontists

Languages

Research Interests

History