NEWS AND EVENTS

In a solemn and emotional atmosphere, the official graduation ceremony of the Class of 2026 of the Faculty of Dental Medicine at Medical University – Sofia was held in Hall 3 of the National Palace of Culture.

The celebration brought together 181 graduates – 113 from the Bulgarian-language programme and 68 from the English-language programme – along with their families and friends, faculty members, representatives of the academic leadership, and distinguished guests.

Even before the official start of the ceremony, guests were welcomed with live musical performances by a viola, flute, and violin trio, creating a festive atmosphere for this special occasion.

The ceremony was hosted by Assoc. Prof. Mirela Marinova-Takorova, PhD, Vice-Dean for Students’ Affairs of the Faculty of Dental Medicine at Medical University – Sofia.

The official opening began with the entrance of the choir of the “Prof. Konstantin Galabov” German Language High School. To the sounds of the Anthem of Medical University – Sofia, representatives of the University and Faculty leadership entered the hall.

This was followed by solemn performances of the National Anthem of the Republic of Bulgaria and the traditional students’ anthem, “Gaudeamus Igitur,” adding a special sense of ceremony to the occasion.

The Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Prof. Boyko Bonev, addressed the Class of 2026, congratulating the young dental professionals on the successful completion of their studies and wishing them confidence, responsibility, and success in their future careers.

A special address to the graduates was delivered by the Rector of Medical University – Sofia, Prof. Boycho Landzhov. In his remarks, he highlighted the significance of their achievement and the responsibility they assume as they enter professional life. He encouraged them to continue developing the knowledge and skills acquired at the University, to uphold the highest standards of the medical profession, and through their work and accomplishments to represent Medical University – Sofia with distinction.

Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony were also the Minister of Health, the Vice-President of the National Assembly and the Head of the Military Medical Academy who personally congratulated the graduates of the Class of 2026. In their addresses, they emphasized the importance of young medical professionals for the future development of Bulgarian healthcare and education, as well as the essential role of high-quality university education in preparing the next generation of dental practitioners. They wished the graduates successful professional careers, continuous development, and a strong sense of responsibility towards their patients and society.

Messages to the young colleagues were also delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Bulanov; the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Prof. Vodenicharova, as well as by representatives of the professional and academic community – Dr. Milanov, President of the Bulgarian Dental Association, and Dr. Sharkov. Prof. Dencheva, the academic adviser of the graduating class, and the two top-performing graduates of the Class of 2026 also addressed and congratulated their fellow graduates.

The festive programme was complemented by ballet performances and musical performances by the choir of the “Prof. Konstantin Galabov” German Language High School, whose appearance was met with enthusiastic applause.

One of the most moving and symbolic moments of the ceremony was the taking of the Hippocratic Oath. Led by the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Prof. Boyko Bonev, the graduates stood together and solemnly made their professional and ethical commitment to serve the health and well-being of their future patients, uphold the dignity of their profession, and follow the principles of medical ethics.

During the ceremony, special thanks were also extended to the partners who supported the celebration and prepared special gifts for the outstanding students – Philips, Pierre Fabre, Excel Dent, and Willem.

The culmination of the ceremony was the long-awaited presentation of the diplomas.

The diplomas of the top-performing graduates of the Class of 2026 were personally presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Prof. Boyko Bonev. The Vice-Deans of the Faculty subsequently joined in presenting the diplomas to the remaining graduates.

Receiving their diplomas marked the completion of an important stage in the graduates’ lives and the beginning of a new one – a journey of professional development, responsibility towards their patients, and lifelong learning and improvement.

The Class of 2026 leaves the lecture halls of the Faculty of Dental Medicine as a new generation of dental professionals, carrying with them the knowledge, skills, and values acquired throughout their years of study at Medical University – Sofia.

Best wishes for every success, Class of 2026!