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　A research group led by Prof. Yamamoto of the Operative Dentistry 2 course, Prof. Kuroiwa of the Prosthetic Dentistry 1 course and Assistant Prof. Otogoto of the Operative Dentistry 1 course held a press conference in Tokyo on Friday December 2nd to announce their success in developing an epoch-making dental irrigation needle in collaboration with a Nagano Prefecture company. The needle effectively cleans affected parts during dental treatment. Three holes in the side of the needle, created using a special technique, make it possible to spray medical fluids in three directions at low pressure. The needle is very effective for root canal irrigation and periodontal pocket cleaning which is required to treat gingival disease.

　The 1st presentation by Graduate School of Dental Science students, which is one part of the application for a doctorate, was held on Thursday December 1st. Three third-year students, hoping to complete their doctor's courses early, presented their research results. They will also have to have their doctorate theses examined and sit final examinations. The decision as to whether or not to confer doctorates will be based on the results of the above.

　After Mr. Tanaka delivered the final public lecture of the year on Tuesday December 13th, he met and chatted with more than 130 people, mostly freshmen and university staff, in the cafeteria on the second floor of the 30th Anniversary Building.

　The curriculum for the academic year 2006 has been determined. A tutorial system, in which individual lecturers provide study guidance to a small group of students, will be implemented for freshmen in the next academic year with the aim of developing students' ability to plan their six years of study.

　Matsumoto Dental University Hospital's 6th public lecture was held on Saturday December 10th. The lecture, on the theme of health care for children's teeth, was given by Assistant Prof. Iwasaki of the Pediatric Dentistry course. Many mothers with children attended the lecture. They listened attentively and took notes.

　A mental health care seminar was held for MDU staff on Monday November 28th. The guest speaker was Yukio Hama, a counselor at the Nagano Industry Health Promotion Center. Mr. Hama stressed that it is important to understand the viewpoint of the people you are communicating with and to have consideration for them.

　Matsumoto held its 33rd ceremony to present awards to outstanding contributors to the development of industry in Matsumoto, on Sunday December 4th. Representing MDU, Prof. Nakata presented a commemorative lecture on teeth and healthcare. Among those attending the ceremony were the mayor of Matsumoto, Akira Sugenoya, the award recipients and members of various technology associations.

　The second set of meetings of lecturers, students and their parents for this academic year were held on Saturday December 3rd with the aim of assisting students in their studies. A total of 376 groups of parents and students from the first year to the fifth year attended. The students and their parents paid close attention to the words of the lecturers.

　MDU switched on its illuminations on Monday November 28th. The illuminations which add charm to the season are enjoyed every winter by MDU students and staff and also by local residents.