On 28 June 2026, the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Szeged held its dental graduation ceremony in the Congress Hall of the SZTE József Attila Study and Information Centre. At the event, which marked one of the most important milestones in the lives of the graduating students, 64 newly qualified Doctors of Dental Medicine received their diplomas, bringing a defining chapter of their university years to a close and beginning the practice of their profession.
The ceremony was opened by Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar, Vice-Rector of the University of Szeged and President of the Inauguration Council. The event was attended by the leaders of the University’s faculties, the leadership of the Faculty of Dentistry, heads of departments, lecturers, as well as the family members and guests of the graduating students.
On behalf of the dentist doctor candidates, Anna Erdélyi presented the request of the candidates representing the Hungarian programme, while Ase Hegedus Veddeng did so on behalf of the graduates of the English-language programme. Following this, Prof. Dr. Zoltán Baráth, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, proposed that the dental candidates be admitted to the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine.
One of the most defining moments of the ceremony was once again the taking of the oath. Led by Dr. Bence Karácsonyi, the dentist doctor candidates solemnly pledged to use their knowledge and vocation for the benefit of humanity, for the healing of patients, the preservation of health, and the cultivation of the noble traditions of the dental profession. The words of the oath fittingly expressed the responsibility that the newly inaugurated Doctors of Dental Medicine assume upon receiving their diplomas.
Following the oath, Prof. Dr. Zoltán Baráth, Dean of the Faculty, admitted the candidates to the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine, after which the graduates approached the Inauguration Council one by one. The handshake, the receipt of the diploma, and the moving of the tassel on the graduation cap symbolically marked the end of their student years and the beginning of the professional careers of the young Doctors of Dental Medicine.
On behalf of the newly inaugurated graduates, Dr. Boglárka Ónodi delivered a ceremonial speech representing the Hungarian programme, while Dr. Prabhjit Singh Dhillon spoke on behalf of the graduates of the English-language programme. Their speeches expressed gratitude, recalled shared memories, and reflected their commitment to their new vocation.
The musical accompaniment for the event was provided by Sándor Dárdai, guitarist, who greeted the newly inaugurated Doctors of Dental Medicine and the guests in attendance with Heitor Villa-Lobos’s 1st Choros.
As part of the ceremony, faculty recognitions and awards were also presented. The Faculty Council of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Szeged awarded the recognition “Excellent Lecturer of the Faculty of Dentistry” to Dr. Krisztina Ungvári, assistant professor, and Dr. István Sági, master instructor, in recognition of their dedication to the Faculty and their teaching work in both the Hungarian and English-language dental programmes.
The recognition “Excellent Resident of the Faculty of Dentistry” was awarded to Dr. Zsófia Kelemen and Dr. Roland Kálmán, residents, in recognition of their professionalism, diligence, vocational commitment, and exemplary attitude. Dr. Roland Kálmán was unable to attend the ceremony and will receive his recognition at a later date.
The recognition “Excellent TDK Supervisor of the Faculty of Dentistry” was awarded to Dr. Márk Fráter, associate professor, for his outstanding work in preparing students participating in the Scientific Students’ Associations Conference. He will receive the recognition at a later date.
The Faculty awarded the “Dean’s Certificate of Recognition” to György Kapás, technical service provider, and Attila Kovács, dean’s office assistant, for their outstanding work at the Faculty. Attila Kovács was unable to attend the ceremony and will receive his recognition later.
The Faculty Council awarded the certificate “Excellent Student of the Faculty of Dentistry” to Dr. Arshia Kashani, newly inaugurated Doctor of Dental Medicine, in recognition of his exemplary academic achievements.
The certificate “Excellent TDK Student of the Faculty of Dentistry” was awarded to Dr. Maja Laura Jarábik and Csaba Kalamár for their outstanding scientific student research activities.
The awards of the competition entitled “Smart Dentist – The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Dentistry” were also presented at the ceremony. The winners of the competition were Aliz Ábrahám, an 11th-grade student of the SZTE Báthory István Practice Grammar School and Primary School, and Áron István Szecsődi, an 11th-grade student of the Tömörkény István Grammar School and Secondary School of Arts. In their submissions, they presented the possibilities of applying artificial intelligence in dentistry, as well as its ethical and human aspects.
At the end of the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar, Vice-Rector, greeted the young Doctors of Dental Medicine and wished them success, perseverance, and personal happiness in the practice of their profession. The event concluded with the singing of the Szózat, followed by the departure of the Inauguration Council.
Following the official ceremony, the newly inaugurated Doctors of Dental Medicine jointly tossed their graduation caps into the air on stage, then celebrated the completion of their studies and the beginning of their professional journey with a champagne toast. The event was both a fitting conclusion to their university years and a solemn opening to a new, responsible profession full of opportunities.
Article written by: Ádám Hódi
Photos: Edina Wolf and Gergő Vass
The full ceremony can be watched back on YouTube; the event starts from 7:00:
