The Faculty of Health Sciences draws international inspiration for new dentistry programme

Last week, the management at the Faculty of Health Sciences (SUND) visited the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor – a university offering a wide range of programmes, including the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, which has ranked number one in the QS World University Rankings for Dentistry for the past three years.

The delegation was welcomed with an ambitious three-day programme and had the opportunity to meet with a number of researchers and teaching staff. The visit provided a platform for both sharing experiences and discussing potential future collaborations.

According to Head of Education and Secretariat Merete Munk, the visit was a valuable opportunity to gather insights and inspiration.

– We want to learn from the best. Michigan has consistently ranked at the top of international league tables for several years, and they demonstrate how to build a strong link between theory, clinical practice, and patient contact from day one. These are experiences we can use when designing our own programme, she says.

Practical insights from Michigan

A few examples from the visit highlight what SDU can take inspiration from:

• Students are introduced to patient contact early, starting in their first year, where they observe and assist in the clinic.
• They spend extended periods in community clinics, gaining experience that strengthens both their independence and professional identity.
• Advanced simulation training is systematically used to build practical skills and a strong focus on patient safety.

Visions for SDU’s new programmes

When SDU welcomes its first dentistry and dental hygiene students in 2027, it will be with a clear ambition to create programmes that combine strong academic standards with close collaboration across healthcare professions.

Dean Ole Skøtt emphasises that the international visits are key to ensuring the new programmes are both modern and sustainable from the outset:

– It is crucial that we build our programmes on the latest knowledge and international standards. Our ambition is to educate dentists and dental hygienists who can help shape the future of healthcare – both regionally and nationally, he says.

More visits to come

Michigan was the first stop – but not the last.

The faculty management also plans to visit several European universities before the programmes open in Odense in 2027.