During the 50th anniversary of the Department of Dentistry at the University of Pristina, the milestones and stages of development in both the discipline and Kosovo’s dental healthcare were highlighted. 

At this commemorative event, the Rector of the University of Pristina, Arben Hajrullahu, stated that the people of Kosovo have achieved things that once seemed impossible. Speaking about the successes of the Department of Dentistry, the university’s leader explained how the field and discipline could progress further.

“I believe that autonomy—a greater level of autonomy—would help advance this scientific discipline. Perhaps we should dare to envision the Department of Dentistry as an independent academic unit within the University of Pristina,” Rector Hajrullahu said. 

Joining Rector Hajrullahu at the jubilee event held at the Faculty of Medicine were Vice-Rectors Naim Jerliu, Rozafa Basha, and Avni Hajdari. Alongside other attendees, they were briefed in detail by Gloria Staka, Head of the Department of Dentistry, on the department’s results, challenges, staff, students, and operational methods. 

The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Sefedin Muçaj, also spoke about the history, achievements, and future path of the Department of Dentistry. He noted that 2,504 students have graduated over its 50-year existence and highlighted a major milestone: “One of the pivotal moments was the establishment of the University Dental Clinic Center of Kosovo in 2003,” Muçaj declared. 

Professors Emeriti Osman Sejfiaj and Adil Raka, as well as student representative Tringa Blakaj, addressed the audience during the event. Rector Arben Hajrullahu also expressed gratitude to several organizations and institutions that supported the Department of Dentistry at the University of Pristina. 

Special acknowledgments were given to distinguished professors, assistants, and those who worked during the 1990s. Tributes were also paid to professors who are no longer living.