Welcome to the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago webpage. I am extremely proud to lead this outstanding organisation at a time of enormous expansion.
While the Faculty has a long and remarkable history in education, research and service to the community, over the last few years the Faculty has undergone significant change.
New facilities have been opened, including a fully operational Clinical Services Building with over 200 chairs where patients are treated with the most modern equipment and materials seen anywhere in the world. A brand new and state-of-the-art Auckland Dental Facility has been opened where students are able to obtain experiences that build on their education and training in Dunedin. Most recently, the Sir John Walsh Building has also been re-opened following full refurbishment and renovations, and houses research laboratories, teaching and meeting areas, and staff and student accommodation. These new facilities enable us to build on our already outstanding reputation to develop the finest oral health care providers and researchers for New Zealand and international communities.
Along with our fantastic facilities, we have a team of people who are at the cutting edge of their profession and who have an international reputation for excellence in research, education and clinical service.
Our research aims to make a difference and is a core activity for our academic staff and students. It is undertaken in the world recognised Sir John Walsh Research Institute. Much of our research is multidisciplinary and occurs within the newly built state-of-the-art laboratories. It aligns with the following areas: Biomechanics and oral implantology; Clinical and translational research; Craniofacial biology and clinical oral physiology; Dental education research; Dental epidemiology and public health; Molecular microbiology; and Oral molecular and immunopathology. We attract many internationally renowned scholars, who choose to spend time undertaking research at the Faculty.
We teach three undergraduate programmes, Dentistry, Oral Health and Dental Technology and we provide excellent opportunities and training for postgraduates in all the clinical specialties.
We have a vibrant international student community which enriches the diverse culture within the Faculty. In association with the Southern District Health Board, specialist clinical support is provided for the population.
The Faculty also provides support to the dental profession throughout New Zealand by providing advice, continuing education courses, and expertise on national professional and advisory groups.
Dunedin is a vibrant and proud university city. Our Faculty offers a world class and friendly environment in which to undertake training, education and research. I look forward to the possibility of welcoming you here in the future.
Professor Paul Cooper
Dean, Faculty of Dentistry