New degree programmes in dentistry and dental hygiene at the University of Southern Denmark
The political decision to establish degree programmes in dentistry and dental hygiene at SDU meets the need for more dental specialists to strengthen the healthcare sector of the Region of Southern Denmark and to ensure better dental care for its citizens.
SDU expects to be able to establish degree programmes in dentistry and dental hygiene at the Faculty of Health Sciences on the campus in Odense as early as 2027. This is based on a current political decision made by the government, the Socialist People’s Party, the Conservative People’s Party, and the Danish People’s Party: https://ufm.dk/aktuelt/pressemeddelelser/2025/fyn-far-ny-tandlaege-og-tandplejeruddannelse
The Rector at SDU, Jens Ringsmose, states:
- With the establishment of the programmes in dentistry and dental hygiene, SDU will contribute even more strongly to meeting the specific needs – of the Region of Southern Denmark as well as of the rest of the country. We would like to commend the political decision which ensures citizens’ access to strong healthcare solutions. This is an important investment in both equality and quality in healthcare, and we are proud to contribute. SDU was created to address some of society’s greatest challenges, and we make a real difference by strengthening the healthcare system with highly qualified specialists. This initiative is a strong example of SDU’s ability to deliver knowledge and education at the highest level.
Developing the healthcare system of the future
Oral and dental health plays an increasing role in people’s overall health and is closely linked to a number of chronic diseases and to quality of life. By establishing the new degree programmes, SDU is strengthening its efforts to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions to society.
- Our ambition is to educate highly skilled dentists and dental hygienists who can both act in clinical settings and collaborate with other healthcare professions. We see it as a crucial contribution to developing the healthcare system of the future – also in the parts of the country in which the recruitment challenges are currently particularly evident, says Ole Skøtt, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Interdisciplinary environment
The programmes in dentistry and dental hygiene will be an integral part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at SDU, which educates medical doctors, pharmacists, psychologists, chiropractors, audiologists as well as students who graduate with MScs in public health science, sports science, clinical nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and health science. SDU expects to admit the first students in the summer of 2027 – with 40 places annually on the dentistry programme and 50 places on the dental hygienist programme.