In the field of medical education, Dr. Tran Ngoc Quang Phi is a distinguished figure, highly respected by colleagues and students alike for his talent, dedication, and significant contributions to the development of the dentistry profession. Currently, he serves as the Head of the Faculties of Health Sciences and the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University.

On the occasion of Vietnamese Doctors' Day (February 27), Dr. Tran Ngoc Quang Phi granted an interview to the Popular Science Journal.

Striving to Build a High-Quality Dentistry Program

Dr. Tran Ngoc Quang Phi, could you share the key highlights of the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University in training high-quality healthcare professionals? Additionally, what training programs have the faculty implemented to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field of dentistry?

Dr. Tran Ngoc Quang Phi: The Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University was established in 2020, making it the 17th institution nationwide to offer dental education. As of now, we have not yet had a graduating class. However, we have been simultaneously implementing continuous education programs to enhance the overall quality of the dentistry profession alongside our formal Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) training program. Additionally, the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University actively organizes various international conferences and seminars to update and expand knowledge for the dental community.

In terms of achievements, our continuous education programs have made significant progress. Since 2022, the faculty has conducted 36 training courses, including 4 basic orthodontics courses, 3 basic dental implant courses, 8 basic oral surgery courses, 19 courses on infection control in dental practice, and 1 course on clinical teaching methodology. These programs have collectively trained a total of 1,574 participants.

In addition to continuous education programs, the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University has actively organized conferences and seminars. Between 2021 and 2024, the faculty hosted three international conferences and 18 seminars. On average, each seminar attracted approximately 300 attendees, while the international conferences had between 500 and 1,000 participants. These events have drawn renowned experts in the field, making them highly appealing to professionals and researchers.

As universities continue to expand their academic programs, competition for highly qualified faculty members has become inevitable. What strategies does Van Lang University employ to attract and retain top-tier faculty and experienced clinicians in teaching and research?

- Human resources are the most critical factor in medical education, particularly in health sciences. Our faculty recruitment strategy focuses on securing highly skilled professionals, ensuring stability, and fostering long-term commitment to the institution. We not only seek experienced educators and clinicians but also invest in developing a pipeline of talented successors. Therefore, our approach includes inviting leading experts in the field while simultaneously selecting and nurturing promising candidates.

Through professional networks, the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University has successfully invited leading experts in specialized fields to join its academic team. Retaining such highly skilled faculty members requires more than just offering competitive salaries—it is crucial to cultivate a work environment where faculty feel respected, recognized for their contributions, and empowered to dedicate themselves fully to their profession. For young and promising faculty members, in addition to offering competitive compensation, the university implements policies for professional development, training support, and career advancement. The presence of experienced and highly qualified faculty also plays a significant role in fostering engagement among junior faculty, as it provides them with invaluable mentorship opportunities.

Currently, the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University comprises 51 faculty members, ranking third in size after the Institute of Dentistry at Hanoi Medical University and the Faculty of Dentistry at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Among them, there is one Associate Professor, 15 faculty members holding doctoral degrees or Level 2 Specialization (Doctor of Medicine), and 26 Master's degree holders. Additionally, the faculty regularly invites adjunct lecturers - primarily PhD holders or Level 2 Specialists with extensive clinical experience - averaging 10 visiting lecturers per semester.

Advancing Scientific Research and International Collaboration

What international collaborations have your faculty established to enhance the quality of education and research in the field of Dentistry?

In terms of international cooperation, the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with leading institutions, including the Faculty of Dentistry at Seoul National University (South Korea), Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Airlangga University (Indonesia), and Puthisastra University (Cambodia), among others. These collaborations have facilitated faculty and student exchange programs as well as joint research initiatives, leading to co-authored international publications. The student exchange programs, in particular, have provided invaluable opportunities for students to engage in cross-cultural learning and professional networking. In early 2025, the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University, in collaboration with Kasetsart University (Thailand), Puthisastra University (Cambodia), and ECAM LaSalle (France), will co-host an international conference on Digital Health in Phnom Penh on February 9, 2025.

Looking ahead, the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University plans to strengthen its collaboration with Kasetsart University, a leading institution in digital technology research, to explore applications of digital techniques and artificial intelligence in dentistry—a rapidly emerging global trend. Additionally, the faculty will further its research partnerships with the Faculty of Dentistry at Mahidol University (Thailand) and Puthisastra University (Cambodia).

How do you assess the future development trends of the healthcare sector in general and the field of dentistry in particular? How has the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University prepared to adapt to these changes?

The current development trend in healthcare, including dentistry, is closely linked to digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). VLU Faculty of Dentistry is a pioneer in digital dentistry education in Vietnam. The faculty has equipped students with eight digital scanners for digital impression practice. Simulation exercises are objectively assessed using the Prepcheck software, allowing students to identify and correct their mistakes accurately. Additionally, students are trained in digital frameworks, occlusal splints, 3D-printed orthodontic appliances, and AI-supported radiographic analysis.

Furthermore, as aesthetic demands in dentistry continue to rise, the faculty has integrated interdisciplinary treatment modules into its curriculum. These modules expose students to the latest advancements in the field, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet real-world patient needs upon graduation.

Could you elaborate on the significance of scientific research in enhancing education quality and community healthcare?

- Scientific research is a fundamental pillar of any university, as universities must be centers of knowledge creation. The only way to generate new knowledge is through research. The Faculty of Dentistry at Van Lang University has established four key research directions: basic research, clinical research, community dental health studies, and medical education research in dentistry.

Basic Research: Van Lang University has planned a significant investment in a state-of-the-art molecular biology laboratory, with a total budget of 43 billion VND, divided into two phases. This facility will serve the entire health sciences division, including the Faculty of Dentistry. Additionally, the university's advanced equipment investments for the Faculty of Dentistry are designed to support both teaching and research. The faculty has already conducted fundamental research in dentistry, with several studies completed and awaiting publication.

Clinical Dentistry Research: Our research in clinical dentistry focuses on two key areas: dental implants and orthodontics, emphasizing digitalization and AI applications. These projects are currently under development and being conducted in collaboration with international partners. Over the past year, the Faculty of Dentistry has published seven international research papers in clinical dentistry.

Community Dentistry Research: Our focus in community dentistry research is on geriatric dentistry, addressing the growing elderly population (aged 65 and above). Oral health in the elderly is a crucial issue requiring specialized treatment strategies. The faculty is currently developing a government-funded research project in geriatric dentistry, scheduled to commence in 2025.

Medical Education Research in Dentistry: Medical education in dentistry is equally important in enhancing training quality. The faculty has undertaken two research projects in this area. One has been completed and submitted for international publication, while the other is still in progress.

Scientific research plays a crucial role in equipping students with research methodology training. Currently, the Faculty of Dentistry has seven ongoing student research projects. Notably, a student-led research project from the faculty won third place at the Greater Mekong Subregion International Conference in December 2024.

Quality Control in Dental Education

It is known that your faculty admits only 100 students per year despite the high societal demand. Could you elaborate on this decision?

The quality of education is our top priority. To ensure training excellence, we have proposed to the university that the enrollment quota be limited to 100 students per year, even though our faculty's capacity, according to regulations, could accommodate more than 200 students annually.

Dentistry has a unique characteristic—students must engage in direct clinical practice on real patients. To meet treatment quality standards, students must fulfill clinical requirements such as tooth extractions, fillings, endodontic treatments, and prosthodontic procedures. Although we provide extensive training on simulation models, clinical experience is indispensable for building students' confidence in treating actual patients. For instance, to ensure that graduates can confidently perform extractions and fillings, we set a clinical requirement: each student must complete at least 30 tooth extractions and 20 dental fillings before graduation. With an annual intake of 100 students, this translates to a total of 3,000 teeth for extractions and 2,000 for fillings. Securing a sufficient number of patients to meet these clinical requirements is already a significant challenge.

What criteria do you set in training students to become highly competent and ethically responsible dental professionals?

- To train students into skilled and ethical dental practitioners, we have designed our learning outcomes based on feedback from key stakeholders and by referencing the graduate competencies of leading dental schools worldwide. We then developed appropriate assessment methods to evaluate these competencies and structured our curriculum accordingly. Throughout the training process, faculty members closely monitor students and assess all aspects of their professional development, from clinical expertise to communication skills. Continuous feedback is provided to help students improve in areas where they may fall short, including technical proficiency, professional demeanor, and interpersonal skills.

Finally, do you have any advice for students currently studying dentistry and those considering a career in healthcare to help them become outstanding practitioners in the future?

- Graduating as a dentist is only the beginning of one’s professional journey. Undergraduate dental education, both in Vietnam and globally, primarily focuses on training general practitioners. While general practice addresses approximately 50% of oral health issues in the community, the remaining 50% requires specialized expertise. Therefore, life-long learning is essential to becoming a truly skilled dental professional. After graduation and obtaining a practicing license, students should consider pursuing a specialty that aligns with their interests and career goals. At present, our Faculty of Dentistry offers continuing education and advanced training programs across various dental specialties, with preferential policies for Van Lang University dental graduates.

A proficient dentist is not only knowledgeable but also highly skilled, capable of critical thinking, and professional in their conduct. In addition to acquiring knowledge and honing technical skills, students must develop their analytical and creative thinking abilities. Each clinical case presents unique challenges, requiring the integration of knowledge and practical skills for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Success in the field demands critical reasoning and innovative problem-solving, rather than merely applying textbook knowledge mechanically.

Furthermore, self-directed learning is crucial. More than 70% of professional growth in dentistry depends on lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement. The medical and dental fields evolve rapidly, necessitating an ongoing commitment to education throughout one’s career.

Thank you for your valuable sharing, Dr. Tran Ngoc Quang Phi.

As reported by Khoa Hoc Pho Thong