The introduction of the third cycle – doctoral studies as real studies by abandoning the current way of obtaining a doctorate, is one of the most significant reforms in higher education in the Republic of North Macedonia, and hence, at the University ,,Ss.Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje. The established model of doctoral studies at UKIM, following the example of developed European universities, is the first of its kind, not only in the country, but also in the Balkans. At the same time, the concept of organizing doctoral studies in the Doctoral School is one of the basic features of the integrative action of the University.
Doctoral studies are organized and coordinated in the Doctoral School at the University ,,Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje, with active participation in the faculties and institutes of the University (hereinafter: Doctoral School).
A study program council is formed for each study program. The council is headed by a study program manager.
The competencies of the council are determined by the rulebook on the conditions, criteria and rules for enrollment and study of the third cycle of studies – doctoral studies at the University ,,Ss.Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje.

For each accredited study program for doctoral studies at the Faculty of Dentistry, a Council of the study program is formed, composed of persons selected in teaching-scientific titles accredited in the study program. The study program is managed by a head elected by the Study Program Council, who is approved by the Rector’s Board of the University.

The first elected head of the Study Program for Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Dentistry in the period 2011-2015, was prof.Mirjana Popovska, PhD. In the period 2015-2019. This study program continued to be led by prof.Vladimir Popovski, PhD, who in October 2019 was re-elected to this position, with a new term of five years.