Academic Integrity: A Practical Guide for Future Dentists

On December 3, 2025, within the framework of Integrity Week, students of the “Dentistry” educational program met with the Head of the Center for Academic Integrity, Associate Professor Iryna Stechyshyn, together with the program guarantor, Associate Professor Svitlana Boitsanyuk. The primary objective of this event was to educate future dentists on the practical importance of integrity in their professional training and clinical practice.

Students discussed why adherence to the principles of academic integrity is an essential component of forming a professional reputation in the medical field. Violations such as incorrect citation, appropriation of others’ ideas, or misrepresentation of data are not only academic misconduct but also risks that can affect patient safety and public trust in the medical community.

The meeting also featured Associate Professor Maryana Levkiv of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry, who oversees the student research society at the Faculty of Dentistry. Maryana delivered an informative mini-lecture on proper citation practices in academic writing, explained the rules of fair use of scientific texts, and illustrated common mistakes students make when preparing essays, conference abstracts, and research articles. Particular attention was paid to verifying sources, working with primary data, avoiding manipulations, and adhering to ethical standards when preparing materials for student conferences, congresses, forums, and other academic events.

The meeting served as a platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and developing a shared vision for cultivating a culture of integrity within the academic environment of the Faculty of Dentistry. Students noted that such events help them better understand how to apply integrity principles in real learning and research situations.