1. Personal Overview & Historical Significance

Personal Details:

  • Name: Reis Rexhepi
  • Date of Birth: June 29, 1945
  • Place of Birth: Bela Crkva (Bellavodë) – Resen
  • Residence: Skopje, North Macedonia

Degrees & Qualifications:

  • Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
  • Doctor of Medical Science (Ph.D., Warsaw)
  • Doctor of Dentistry Science (Ph.D., Belgrade)
  • Specialist in Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry
  • Visiting Professor (Indiana University, USA)

Biographical Summary

Dr. Reis Rexhepi was born on June 29, 1945, in Bela Crkva – Resen. He completed his secondary education at Gymnasium "Brakja Miladinovci" in Struga in 1965. He initiated his dental degree at the University of Skopje before transferring to the Medical Academy of Warsaw, Poland, where he graduated in 1973 as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). He earned his first Doctorate of Medical Science (Ph.D.) in Warsaw (1975), specialized in Pediatric Dentistry in 1977, and attained a second Ph.D. in Dentistry Science from the University of Belgrade in 1981.

Academic Tribute

“It was a great pleasure for me when I introduced Mr. Prof. dr. DMSc., DDSc. Reis Rexhepi. He was the first Albanian after the Second World War, from the Albanian territories who studied abroad...”

2. Academic & Professional Appointments

1973 – 1975
Medical Academy of Warsaw

School of Dentistry, Warsaw, Poland.

1975 – 1976
University of Skopje

School of Dentistry, Skopje, Macedonia.

1976 – 1980
Specialist in Pedodontics

Public Health Centre, Prishtina.

1980 – 1982
Assistant Professor of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry

University of Kosovo, Medical School, Department of Dentistry, Prishtina.

1982 – 1987
Associate Professor of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry

University of Kosovo, Medical School, Department of Dentistry, Prishtina.

1984 – 1988
Chairman of Clinic

Clinic for Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, University of Kosovo, Medical School, Department of Dentistry, Prishtina.

1987 – 1992
Full Professor of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry

University of Kosovo, Medical School, Department of Dentistry, Prishtina.

3. Education & Postdoctoral Qualifications

1965
Undergraduate / Secondary Education

Gymnasium “Brakja Miladinovci”, Struga, Macedonia.

1965 – 1967
Graduate Studies (Initiation)

University of Skopje, School of Dentistry (Continued in Poland).

1967 – 1973
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Medical Academy of Warsaw, Poland, School of Dentistry.

1973 – 1975
Doctor of Medical Science (Ph.D.)

Medical Academy of Warsaw, Poland.

1977
Specialist of Dentistry for Children

Medical Center for Postdoctoral Education, Warsaw, Poland.

1981
Doctor of Dentistry Science (Ph.D.)

University of Belgrade, School of Dentistry, Belgrade.

1986
Visiting Professor & Postdoctoral Fellow

Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis, USA. Department of Continuing Dental Education (Course CE 126 Preventive Dentistry).

Licensure & Certification

  • 1975: Validation of Degree as DMD.
  • 1977: Certified State Examination in Dentistry.
  • 1978: Validation of Degree as Specialist of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry.

4. Teaching Assignments & Professional Societies

Teaching Assignments

  • 1980 – 1992: Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry — clinical exercises for students of 4th and 5th year of dentistry.
  • 1982 – 1992: Pediatric Dentistry — complete lectures for students of 4th and 5th year of dentistry.
  • 1982 – 1992: Preventive Dentistry — complete lectures for students of 4th and 5th year of dentistry.
  • 1985 – 1992: Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry for postdoctoral (specialist) students — complete lectures and clinical exercises.

Professional Societies & Leadership Roles

  • 1975 – 1978: Member, Macedonian Dental Association.
  • 1978 – 1991: Member, Medical Association of Kosovo.
  • 1980 – 1991: Member, Yugoslav Organization of Dentistry.
  • 1981 – 1991: Chairmanship – Serbian Association of Dentistry for Children.
  • 1981 – 1991: Member, Yugoslav Organization of Dentistry for Children.
  • 1985 – 1987: Member, Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI).
  • 1986 – 1987: Member, American Society of Dentistry for Children.
  • 1986 – 1991: Chairmanship – Yugoslav Organization of Dentistry for Children.

5. Academic Textbooks & Monographs

A. Stomatologjia e Fëmijëve (Pediatric Dentistry)

The First University Textbook in Pediatric Dentistry in the Albanian Language

Authored by Doc. dr. sci. Reis Rexhepi and published by the University of Kosovo in Prishtina, this historic publication holds a monumental place in Balkan medical history as the foundational university textbook for pediatric dental medicine.

“The first university textbook in the Albanian language across the entire Albanian-speaking territory — used in Kosovo, Albania, and Macedonia. There is no other textbook.”

Original Preface Transcription:

"The textbook 'Pediatric Dentistry' is intended for students of dentistry and, in part, also for postgraduate students and specialists in pediatric dentistry. An effort has been made to include in it the principal aspects of pediatric dentistry, based on the curriculum of this subject. The purpose of this textbook is, therefore, to provide dental students and other interested readers with as much information as possible concerning problems in pediatric dentistry, and to help them master these issues as a subject during their studies at the faculty and to solve, as easily as possible, the problems they may encounter later in their professional work as dentists. The author is fully aware that this book, with all the topics and solutions it contains, will help considerably in expanding the basic knowledge of the field of pediatric dentistry, which today represents an important and specific discipline within dentistry as a whole. While reading, the author will gladly welcome any observation or suggestion concerning the shortcomings and possible deficiencies of this book, so that these may be avoided in its subsequent edition."

B. Dječja i Preventivna Stomatologija (Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry)

A Unified Inter-Republic Academic Standard across Six Dental Faculties

Published by the Yugoslav Medical Publishing House in Zagreb, this volume represents a historical milestone in regional dental education. Prof. Dr. Reis Rexhepi served as a prominent co-author alongside 11 leading specialists from three republics and two autonomous provinces.

“Created through the collaboration of 12 specialists from three republics and two autonomous provinces, representing six dental faculties: Novi Sad, Pristina, Rijeka, Sarajevo, Skopje, and Zagreb.”

Original Preface Transcription:

The textbook "Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry" was created through the collaboration of 12 specialists from three republics and two autonomous provinces, representing six dental faculties or dental departments of medical faculties, namely: Novi Sad, Pristina, Rijeka, Sarajevo, Skopje, and Zagreb.

The authors are members of the teaching staff (lecturers and professors) of the aforementioned faculties. Although there were also outstanding assistants who could have contributed written material, it was agreed that the authors would be exclusively members of the teaching staff, so that the assistants would be included in subsequent editions once they became members of the teaching staff.

The authors are listed in alphabetical order at the beginning of the book, rather than beneath the chapters they wrote, because in this way we demonstrate once again our unity and our common approach to the profession.

The book has been designed to cover all important areas of pediatric and preventive dentistry. The topics covered are arranged in a logical sequence based on the harmonized curricula and teaching programs of all dental faculties and departments in the country.

We are convinced that this will make it easier to follow the material presented, since one area follows naturally from another. The number of scheduled teaching hours served as the basis for determining the extent of each individual subject area.

The book is primarily intended for dental students; however, since it also covers the latest developments, it will be useful to practitioners as well. In addition, it will serve as a good source of basic knowledge and a reference for specialists and specialist trainees (students undergoing postgraduate training).

We deliberately omitted more extensive scientific analyses so that students could more easily grasp the fundamentals of pediatric and preventive dentistry. Drawing on their own and other scientific achievements, the authors tested these findings in practice and, based on their acquired experience and consultation with the other authors, presented their own experiences.

A particular problem was the standardization of the language used by authors from different linguistic regions. The extent to which this standardization and harmonization has succeeded, as well as the extent to which different interests and styles have been brought together for the benefit of a common work, is left to the readers to judge.

It is natural that there may be some differences in approach, which will be explained in greater detail and addressed in different ways during the lectures.

The greatest credit for the fact that the book has now been published belongs to all the authors. In addition to their major contribution, other collaborators from the Institutes, Clinics and Departments, as well as artists and photographers, also contributed. The text was harmonized by a proofreader/editor. It is impossible to mention all their names, but on this occasion we express our special gratitude to them for their exceptional assistance.

We would especially like to thank our publisher, the Yugoslav Medical Publishing House in Zagreb.

6. Major Scientific Research Projects & Clinical Pillars

Core Clinical Research Pillars

Fluorine & Enamel Etching

Pioneered research on variable etching times for primary tooth enamel at Indiana University (1986).

Thermography in Dentistry

Early integration of thermographic diagnostic methodologies to evaluate oral tissue inflammation.

Major Scientific Grants & Themes

  • Theme 1 (1983 – 1985): Epidemiological, Clinical and Experimental Research of Oral Diseases in Children of Kosova.
    Employee/Institution: Community for Scientific Work – Prishtina.
  • Theme 2 (1984 – 1987): Evaluation of the Oral Health of the Yugoslav Population and Required Treatment in Compliance with the Basic Criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO).
    Co-author | Employee/Institution: Yugoslav Ministry of Health.
  • Theme 3 (1986): Variable Time of Etching of the Primary Tooth.
    Employee/Institution: Indiana University, USA.

7. Complete Major Presentations & Publications (1 – 52)

  • Krzywicki, J.; Rexhepi, R.: Materials for Tight Filling of Defects and Their Application in Treatment of Teeth. Czas. Stom. 1975, 1, 1.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Oral Temperature in Healthy Subjects. Czas. Stom. 1975, 11, 1085.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Temperature of Parodontal Tissues as a Diagnostic Factor in Parodontal Diseases. Czas. Stom. 1976, 4, 293.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Application of Thermography in Dentistry. P. Medica. 1978, 1-2, 123.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Ergonomy in Stomatology. Presented at the Symposium of First Days of Preventive Medicine of Kosovo, Prishtina 1978.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Traumal Fractures of the Frontal Teeth in Children. Presented at Stomatological Week of Serbia. 1978.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Eftimovski, D.: The Possibility of Using Thermography as a Diagnostic Method in Dentistry. Presented at Stomatological Days of Croatia. 1979.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Osmani, A.: The Effect of Chewing Gum on Oral Hygiene and on the State of Gingiva. P. Medica. 1979, 3-4, 287.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Eftimovski, D.; Stawinski, K.: The Diagnostic Meaning of Some Symptoms of Mucosa and Teeth Damage Caused by Certain Chemical Elements. Presented at Stomatological Days of Croatia. 1979.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Health Organization of Stomatological Preventive Services. Presented at the 7th Yugoslav Symposium for Health Care. Prishtina. 1979.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Ergonomical Aspects of Organizing Work for Stomatological Services. Presented at the Yugoslav Symposium for Health Care. Prishtina 1979.
  • Rexhepi, R.: The Application of Sedatives in Pedodontics. Presented at the Yugoslav Symposium for Health Care. Prishtina. 1979.
  • Redžepagić, S.; Rexhepi, R.: Endodontic Treatment in Children. Presented at the Stomatological Week of Serbia. 1979, Novi Sad.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Application of Thermography in Dentistry. SGS. 1979, 1, 61.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Frequency and Intensity of Dental Diseases in Children from Rural Areas. Presented at the Days of Preventive Medicine 1980, Prishtina.
  • Rexhepi, R.: The Results of Aphthoses Treatment in Children. Presented at the 4th Clinical Day of Lips and Oral Mucosa Pathology. Free Communications. 1980, Lublin, Poland.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Galvanic Electropotentials in the Oral Cavity of Children. Presented at the 7th Congress of Dentistry of Yugoslavia. (Published, Zadar 1980).
  • Rexhepi, R.: Our Experience with the Material for Temporary Filling of Teeth. P. Medica. 1980, 1-2, 87.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Pedodontic Treatment of the Mucosal Lesion. Presented at the 12th Congress of Dental Association of Poland. Poznan, 1980.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Hexoral in Oral Therapy. Presented at the 12th Congress of Dental Association of Poland. Poznan, 1980.
  • Krzywicki, J.; Majkowski, R.; Rexhepi, R.: Can Pulp Extractors Be Used as Non-Disposable Instruments. Czas. Stom. 1980, 6, 509.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Therapy and Stomatological Exploration in Pregnant Women. P. Medica. 1980, 3-4, 191.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Kalajxhievski, K.; Demjaha, H.: Concentration of Fluor and Other Microelements in Drinking Water in Kosovo.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Hozha, V.; Hot, Q.: Determination of the Concentration of Fluor in Enamel of Children by the Biopsy Method. Presented at the Stomatological Week of Macedonia. Struga, 1982.
  • Raka, A.; Kiseri, N.; Rexhepi, R.; Shllaku, P.: Incidence of Tooth Caries in Prishtina School Children. Presented at Stomatological Week of Serbia. Nish, 1982.
  • Rexhepi, R.: Examination of the Resistance of Enamel with the Effect of Acids in Children with the CRT test. SGS. 1982, 1, 1361.
  • Raka, A.; Rexhepi, R.: Program of the Preventive Actions in Pediatric Dentistry. Presented at the Symposium of the Association of Dentistry of Kosovo. 1982, Prishtina.
  • Kiseri, N.; Rexhepi, R.: The Resistance of Enamel and the Concentration of Fluor in it. Presented at the Congress of the Yugoslav Oral, Dental and Periodontal Society. Ohrid, 1983.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Reka, A.: The Meaning of Fluor in the Prevention of Caries. Presented at the Symposium of Dental Society of Kosovo. Prishtina, 1981.
  • Gashi, T.; Batali, F.; Rexhepi, R.: Determination of the Human Age Based on the Racemization of Asparagene Acids in the Dentine. Presented at the 4th Congress of the Yugoslav Society for Forensic Medicine. Ljubljana, 1983.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Raka, A.; Galani, L.: Epithelial Pearls. Presented at the 7th Congress of Stomatologists of Yugoslavia. Vrnjačka Banja, 1984.
  • Raka, A.; Rexhepi, R.; Mehmeti, H.: Some Characteristics of Frequency and Healing of Caries in Children of Kosovo. Presented at the 7th Congress of Stomatologists of Yugoslavia. Vrnjačka Banja, 1984.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Šćepanović, D.; Ismaili, J.: Management of Traumatic Injuries of Teeth in Children with Individual Matrix. Presented at the 2nd Congress of the Yugoslav Health Centers. Struga, 1985.
  • Hasani, H.; Rexhepi, R.; Baraku, E.; Trėnjaku, N.: The Prevalence of Caries in School Children of Kosovo. Presented at the Congress of Yugoslav Health Centers. Struga, 1985.
  • Raka, A.; Rexhepi, R.: Current Problems in Health Education of Children. Presented at the 11th Symposium of Health. Pula, 1985.
  • Redžepagić, S.; Rexhepi, R.: The Role and Importance of Preventive Measures in Pediatric Dentistry. Presented at the Scientific Meeting of the Dentistry Association of Kosovo. Prishtina, 1985.
  • Raka, A.; Redžepagić, S.; Rexhepi, R.: The Intensity and Localization of Caries in Seven-Year Old Children. Presented at the Scientific Meeting of the Dentistry Association of Kosovo. Prishtina, 1985.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Raka, A.; Paramentiċ, D.: Eruption and Tooth Decay in Children with Bronchial Asthma. Free Communications Poster Session. 73rd Annual World Dental Congress of the FDI. Belgrade, 1985.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Lj. Šćepanović; S. Karahoda: Primary Reasons Affected Dental Students of School of Dentistry in Deciding Their Future Profession. Presented at the Symposium of Stomatological Days of Kosovo. Djakovica, 1986.
  • Ružić, O.; Rexhepi, R.; Aleksić, Z.; Ilić, S.: Oral Diseases in Musicians Playing Brass Instruments. Presented at the Symposium of Traditional Meetings of Health Workers of Kosovo. Brezovica, 1978.
  • Jusufi, S.; Rexhepi, R.; Ružić, O.; Aleksić, Z.: Management of Traumatic Injuries of Teeth at Children. Presented at the Traditional Meeting of Health Workers of Kosovo. Brezovica, 1978.
  • Ilić, S.; Rexhepi, R.; Redžepagić, S.: Early Development of the Deciduous Dentition. Presented at the 5th Symposium of Days of Preventive Medicine of Kosovo. Brezovica, 1978.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Redžepagić, S.; Raka, A.; Sejdini, M.: The Role of Pedodont in Dental Health Education. Presented at the 5th Symposium of Days of Preventive Medicine of Kosovo. Brezovica, 1987.
  • Rexhepi, R.; Raka, A.; Redžepagić, S.; Sejdini, M.: Oral and Dental Diseases of School Children in Kosovo and Their Prevention. Presented at the 5th Meeting of the Macedonian Dental Association. Dojran, 1987.
  • Aleksić, Z.; Rexhepi, R.; Ilić, S.; Ružić, O.: First Permanent Molar of Children of Kosovo. Presented at the 5th Meeting of Macedonian Dental Association. Dojran, 1987.
  • Aleksić, Z.; Rexhepi, R.; Ilić, S.; Ružić, O.: Amelogenezis Imperfect Hereditaria. Presented at the 5th Meeting of Macedonian Dental Association. Dojran, 1987.
  • Ilić, S.; Rexhepi, R.; Aleksić, Z.; Ružić, O.: Oral Condition of Children with Diabetes Mellitus. Presented at the Symposium of Stomatological Days of Kosovo. Peć, 1987.
  • Aleksić, Z.; Rexhepi, R.; Ilić, S.; Ružić, O.: Hypoplasia of Local Ethiology Teeth. Presented at the Symposium of Stomatological Days of Kosovo. Peć, 1987.
  • Redžepagić, S.; Rexhepi, R.: Life Period in Eruption of Deciduous Teeth. Presented at the 2nd Symposium of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Neum, 1986.
  • Raka, A.; Rexhepi, R.; Hatibović, Š; Mehmeti, H.: Caries Prophylactic at Children from Many-Persons Family. Presented at the 2nd Symposium of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Neum, 1986.
  • Raka, A.; Rajić, Z.; Rexhepi, R.: Condition of Oral Health at School Children of Kosovo. Presented at the Symposium of Stomatological Days of Kosovo. Peć, 1987.
  • Sejdini, M.; Rexhepi, R.; Raka, A.: Prevalence and Incidence on Caries of Deciduous Teeth with School Children in Prishtina. Presented at the 2nd Symposium of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Neum, 1986.