Working visit to the state of California, USA

The rector of Nicolae Testemitanu University, professor Emil Ceban, together with the Dean of the Faculty of Stomatology, Associate Professor Oleg Solomon, undertook a working visit to the state of California, United States of America. The visit took place during February 3-14, 2024, at the invitation of Senator Eloise Gomez Reyez, and included several meetings with the congressmen of the American state, to present the achievements of the last 5 years and to discuss the possibilities of extending the accreditation of the Stomatology study programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels (Clinical Postgraduate – International Dental Program) by the Dental Board of California.

The first working meetings took place in the capital of California, in the city of Sacramento, with ex-senator Richard Polanco, Dr. Luis Dominicis and Francisco Leal. During the State Assembly of the Legislature, held in the State Capitol, rector Emil Ceban presented information about Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, especially about the Faculty of Stomatology, the graduating classes at the Stomatology integrated higher education program and those at clinical secondary level - International Dental Program, about academic achievements and their impressions upon completing their studies.

Next, University representatives met with several California Senate legislative leaders: Mike Gipson, Eloise Gomez Reyes, Eduardo Garcia, Robert Rivas and Karen M. Fische, Executive Officer of the Dental Board of California. Rector Ceban thanked them for the support offered in the international accreditation process of the Faculty of Stomatology and, as a sign of gratitude, awarded them certificates of appreciation from our university.

Afterwards, our delegation met with representatives of Loma Linda University in the city of Redlands: Chris Olsen, Chief Architect, Location Services, Michelle Viengvilay, IS Architect, and Esri Corporation leaders: Jack Dangermond, President, Dean Angelides, Corporate Director-International Operations, Georgie Trebizo, Healthcare Consultant, Linda Peters, Executive Program Director, and Thomas Emge, Solutions Engineering Manager. 

During the meeting, which took place on February 9, rector Emil Ceban spoke about the goals and strategies of our university, and the hosts presented "Loma Linda" University and the Health Geoinformatics Laboratory, Esri's vision and commitment in the field of health. The parties discussed some aspects of future collaboration in the fields of education, research and healthcare.

Loma Linda University Health is an academic medical center, a leader in education, research and patient care, operating six hospitals in Southern California, a practice-based corporation of remote clinics in the western United States, and affiliated organizations throughout the world. Founded in 1905, the institution today has over 16,000 employees, 4,500 students in the University's 8 schools (of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, health-related professions, behavioral health and religion), 650 resident doctors, over 50 thousand annual hospital visits and 1.6 million outpatient visits, and approximately 3,500 babies are born each year. The GIS Lab provides students, faculty and staff with access to the extensive geo-technological resources available to all Loma Linda University schools and health departments.

The program of the visit also included the participation in the Ceremony of the 6th class of graduates of the International Dental Program at the Faculty of Stomatology of Nicolae Testemitanu University. The event was attended by graduates and their families. Rector Emil Ceban handed them their diplomas and congratulated the young specialists who obtained the license to practice dentistry in California. Dean of the Stomatology Faculty Oleg Solomon and Senator Richard Polanco also sent congratulatory messages to the graduates.

In recognition of the support provided in the launch and accreditation of dental training programs and clinical secondary dental programs by the Dental Board of California, the rector presented certificates of appreciation to Senator Richard Polanco, Dr. Josef Mamaliger and Dr. Luis Dominicis.

For his part, Rector Emil Ceban received a certificate of recognition from the Senate of the State of California, for his dedication to students, the faculty and the administration of the University. As a result of the visit, the rector mentioned he was optimistic about the prospect of extending the accreditation of the International Dental Program by the California Dental Board, which is unique in the world and has demonstrated impressive results.

In the period 2016-2023, 91 people graduated from the Stomatology integrated undergraduate study program. Between 2019-2023, 193 dentists, who will practice in the state of California, have successfully completed post-graduate education through clinical secondary studies at the International Dental Program.