The School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb systematically invests in the development of modern scientific and research infrastructure with the aim of advancing basic and applied research in the field of dental medicine. In this context, two specialized scientific and research laboratories play a particularly important role:
- Laboratory for dental materials , within the Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dental Medicine
- Laboratory for hard dental tissues , within the Department of Dental Anthropology
These laboratories represent the focal point of experimental research and the link between science, teaching, and clinical practice.
Infrastructure and equipment
The establishment of scientific research laboratories is the result of joint efforts of the School administration and the support of the Croatian Science Foundation and the University of Zagreb through the implementation of numerous scientific projects. The School has provided modern, functional and safe laboratory space, while capital scientific equipment was purchased thanks to national and university projects.
The laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art devices for the physicochemical and mechanical characterization of dental materials and hard dental tissues, including:
- advanced ATR-FTIR spectrometer for analysis of polymerization processes and identification of chemical compounds
- universal device for mechanical testing of materials
- thermal cycler for simulating accelerated aging of dental materials
- asymmetric centrifugal mixer
- saw for cutting hard dental tissues
- UV/VIS spectrometer, hardness tester, thermal imaging camera, pH meter and a number of other specialized analytical devices
Such equipment enables comprehensive analysis of the behavior of dental materials in conditions that mimic the oral environment, as well as the development, evaluation and optimization of new bioactive and biomimetic materials.
Scientific activity and student involvement
Research work in the laboratories is focused on solving current clinical challenges in dental medicine, including secondary caries, wear of restorations and their long-term stability. Research results directly contribute to the development of the dental profession and the improvement of clinical practice.
The laboratories are in daily use and gather teaching/scientific staff, doctoral candidates and students of the integrated study of dental medicine. Students are actively involved in research through elective courses, scientific projects and the preparation of diploma and doctoral theses, which encourages early involvement in scientific work and the development of research competencies.
Scientific excellence and future development
Thanks to a strong scientific and research infrastructure and continuous growth of research activity, the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, has recorded an increase in the number of scientific projects and publications in internationally recognized journals with a high impact factor. Scientific and research laboratories represent a key foundation for further strengthening scientific excellence, interdisciplinary cooperation and international recognition of the School.