Gabriela Kjurchieva Čuchkova
Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
Session 31 · DAY 3 (Nov. 7, 2026) · 11:15–11:45 CET
Importance of hyoid bone position for interdisciplinary treatment plan of orthodontic patients
Abstract
The hyoid bone, as unique bone in human body with no osseous articulation, has a very important role in maintaining the pharyngeal airway adequacy, and it is associated with vital functions. Position of hyoid bone maintain equilibrium of respiratory way and helps in maintainance of unobstructed airway during normal posture of head and neck. The stable hyo-cervical relation preserves the upper airway patency in adults.
Evaluation of the position, shape and function of the hyoid bone play important role, as a diagnostic tool for interdisciplinary treatment plane in orthodontic patients. Including plane for myofunctional treatment in growing patients, OSAS patients and it is very important for stability following mandibular orthognathic surgery.
This lecture will present and discuss the importance of determinate the hyoid bone position as a good diagnostic guide in different malocclusion, and its role in interdisciplinary treatment plan of orthodontic patients.
Biography
Prof. dr Gabriela Kjurchieva Chuchkova has received her dental and orthodontic education at the Faculty of Dentistry, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje. Postgraduate education and Master of Science in 1995 (thesis entitled “Morphology of dentoalveolar arches at mouth breathing children”), and PhD in January 2005 (doctoral thesis entitled “Craniofacial morphology and breathing pattern”) at the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Faculty of Dentistry in Skopje.
She has been working at the Dental Clinical Center – “St. Panteleimon” in Skopje since employment in 1992, and at the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” – Skopje. She is currently employed as a Full Professor at the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”.
As a Full Professor, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students, residents in specialization, students at master and doctoral studies. Also, she teaches students at the undergraduate school for professional dental technicians and oral hygienists. She is mentor of the residents in orthodontics.
Reviewer of the Macedonian Dental Review, European Annals of Dental Sciences, Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, Acta Stomatologica Naissi, Medical Science Monitor, Bulletin of the Anthropological Society.
She is author of textbook of Orthodontics for the undergraduate and postgraduate students and residents in orthodontics, at Faculty of Dentistry, UKIM, 2022; also, autor of book chapter “Etiology of malocclusion” in textbook “Malocclusion”, Naklada Slap, 2024. Author and co-author of scientific papers published in international peer-reviewed journals.
She has presented her work at conferences and congresses home and abroad, as an invited lecturer. Organizes conferences and congresses in the Republic of North Macedonia.
She is a member of the Macedonian Dental Society (MDS) served as a President since 2021, member of Macedonian Orthodontic Society (MOS), member of the executive bord of MOS, served as a Vice president from 2009 -2013 and President from 2013 to 2025. She is also member of Balkan Association of Orthodontic Specialist (BAOS) since foundation in which formation has actively participate.
She was President of BAOS in 2019 and organized the 3rd Congress of BAOS in Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia. She served as a Vice President of BAOS from 2024. She is active member of European Orthodontic Society (EOS) since 2009, WFO World Federation of Orthodontics (WFO) since 2020, and member of Societa Italiana di Ortodonzia (SIDO).