Dare to be wise. That is the motto of the University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry. Welcome. The University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry is New Zealand’s national center for dentistry. This faculty has shaped the landscape of dental education.
The University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry has a rich history. It began in 1907. It is the only Faculty and School of Dentistry in New Zealand. It is an integral part of the Division of Health Sciences. The university is in Dunedin.
Early dentistry in New Zealand involved barbers. Pharmacists and blacksmiths also practiced it. A visit to the dentist was often gruesome. The registration of dentists began in 1880. This sought a standard of practice. In 1904, Parliament put dental education under the University of New Zealand. A four-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree started in 1907. It allowed for 20 to 25 students. Dr. H.P. Pickerill was the first Dean. He gained distinction for his research into dental caries. He later became a plastic surgeon.
The first dental school building still exists. It is now the university’s Staff Club. The second building became the Zoology building. It was closer to the hospital and Medical School. Next door is the third and current building. A major renovation began in 2016. This included demolishing the West Wing. A new building replaced it. Complete refurbishment of the Walsh building also happened.
Sir John Walsh strengthened dentistry’s scientific base. He provided modern research facilities. He introduced post-graduate programs in the early sixties. The Faculty then moved into the third Dental School. This later became the Walsh Building. Sir John advocated for water fluoridation in N.Z. He is remembered for his high-speed air turbine handpiece patent in 1949. It is similar to today’s high-speed handpieces.
The University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry offers undergraduate programs. These include a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. There is also a Bachelor of Oral Health. A Bachelor of Dental Technology is available too.
Graduate programs are also available. A Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry is offered. Areas of study include Biomaterials Science. Community Oral Health and Epidemiology are options. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is another area. Oral Medicine is offered conjointly with a medical degree from Otago Medical School. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is available conjointly with a medical degree from Otago Medical School. Other specializations include Orthodontics.
Advanced training is available in Endodontics. Pedodontics is another option. Periodontics is a field of study. Prosthodontics is also available. The Faculty offers postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees. These are in Dental Technology. A Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology is offered. The Master of Oral Health is also an option.
The University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry maintains accreditation. It is accredited by the Dental Council of New Zealand. The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons also accredits it.
Since 2015, Quacquarelli Symonds has ranked the Faculty. It has consistently been in the top 15 dental schools worldwide.
Today the Auckland Dental Facility is open for appointments. You can call or email to schedule. Masks are recommended. This protects all patients and visitors. Hand sanitizers are available. If unwell reschedule your appointment.