Inaugural lecture of Professor in Orthodontics Triin Jagomägi suggests a new era in dentistry

On Tuesday, 15 April, at 16:15 in the university assembly hall, Triin Jagomägi, Professor in Orthodontics at the University of Tartu, gives her inaugural lecture (in Estonian) on understanding oral functions and their role in the development of dental anomalies.

Oral functions play an important role in the development of dental anomalies, influencing the development of teeth, jaws and the entire maxillofacial region. Impaired swallowing, breathing and tongue position can lead to abnormalities in dentition, which occur in 38% of the population. Research has shown that many dental and oral cavity diseases can be prevented, which is much cheaper and has less environmental impact than treating the problems that have occurred. Early diagnosis and prevention of abnormalities is, therefore, a key objective of modern dental care.

According to Jagomägi, the current dental care system focuses primarily on treatment and is not reasonable as such. “Today, we know why and how cavities develop and what to do to keep teeth healthy. Despite this, children’s teeth are rotten, and most of them only see a dentist when the problem is already there,” said the professor.

In her inaugural lecture, Triin Jagomägi will discuss the links between oral functions and dental anomalies and speak about preventive dentistry and interdisciplinary cooperation in this field. Among other topics, she will discuss whether we have reached a new era in which the prevention of dental anomalies deservedly receives more attention.

“One can dream, right? I work for a future where parents, already before their child is born, set out the child’s dental health journey together with professionals, defining milestones, goals, appointments, successes and setbacks. This would be a person-centred and prevention-focussed medical service, the results of which are not judged by how many people have been treated, but rather by how many do not need treatment,” said the professor.

Triin Jagomägi graduated from the University of Tartu in 1993 and completed her residency in orthodontics at the University of Kuopio (Finland) in 1995. She defended her doctoral degree at the University of Tartu in 2012. In 1996, Jagomägi started working as an orthodontist at Tartu Stomatology Polyclinic. Later, she became a teaching physician at Tartu University Hospital, where she is currently working as a senior teaching physician. Since 2000, she has worked at the University of Tartu as an assistant in paediatric stomatology, research fellow and associate professor and is Professor of Orthodontics since January 2025. Her research focuses on the genetics of cleft lip and cleft palate and the role of oral function in the development of dental anomalies.

Jagomägi has furthered her education in several foreign countries and spoken at conferences. She has participated in many international projects and research collaborations and is a member of international professional societies. Three doctoral theses have been defended under her supervision. Triin Jagomägi is the founding member of the Estonian Orthodontic Society, chaired it in 2006–2008 and continues to be its board member.

The aim of the inaugural lecture is to give the new professor an opportunity to introduce herself, her specialisation and field of research. At the end of the public lecture, the audience will be able to ask the professor questions. Everyone interested is welcome. A live webcast will be available on UTTV.