University Of Otago Faculty Of Dentistry

The Faculty of Dentistry – Te Kaupeka Pūniho – has an international reputation for clinical and research excellence. Founded in 1907, it is New Zealand’s National Centre for Dentistry. It forms an integral part of the Division of Health Sciences within the University of Otago, in Dunedin.



The Faculty of Dentistry is ranked 33rd-best dental school in the world (2020 QS World University Subject Rankings).

We offer undergraduate programmes in all branches of dentistry:

We also offer excellent facilities for postgraduate training, and offer programmes for all professional groups in dentistry who wish to continue their education and obtain further qualifications:

We serve as a teaching hospital for the people of Dunedin and the surrounding community:

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Structure of the Faculty of Dentistry

The Faculty of Dentistry consists of the Sir John Walsh Research Institute (at which all of the Faculty’s research is undertaken), the Dean’s Office, and three academic departments—each of which contains a number of disciplines.

The departments and units page has links to further information about each area.

Organisation structure

  • Dean
    • Deputy Dean and Executive Management Committee
    • Associate Dean (Capital Build)
    • Associate Dean (Clinical)
    • Associate Dean (Māori)
    • Associate Dean (Pacific)
    • Associate Dean (Postgraduate Studies)
    • Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies)
    • Associate Dean (International)
    • Faculty Finance Manager
      • Finance Officer
    • Academic Administration Manager
      • Administrators from departments, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, and Office of the Dean
      • EA to the Dean
    • Clinical Director
      • Clinical Administration Manager
        • Resources Officer
        • Custodians
        • Receptionist, Administrators, Patient Records
        • Accounts Receivable Officer
        • Information Officer
        • Fees Officer
        • Clerk / Assistant Cashier
        • Senior Fees Officer
        • Claims Officer
      • Clinical Services Manager
        • Dental Assistants
        • Sterilising Assistants
      • Technical Services Manager
        • Dental Technician
        • Technical Support / Assistant / Auxiliary
        • Administrator / Reception
      • Charge Medical Radiation Technologist
      • Dental House Surgeons
      • Professional Practice Fellows
      • Nurses
    • Associate Dean (Research) (Sir John Walsh Research Institute)
      • Research Manager
      • Compliance Manager
      • Research Academic
      • Post Doc
      • Assistant Research Fellow
    • Head of Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences
      • Research Manager
      • Medical Laboratory Scientists
      • Research Assistant
      • Research and Teaching Academic
      • Research Academic
      • Non-Clinical Professional Practice Fellow
    • Head of Department of Oral Rehabilitation
      • Research and Teaching Academic
      • Non-Clinical Professional Practice Fellow
    • Head of Department of Oral Sciences
      • Research Academic
      • Research and Teaching Academic

welcome to the University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry: New Zealand’s National Centre for Dentistry



Ranked 33rd best in the world,* our mission is to pursue excellence in research, and to provide high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate education and training – to improve health nationally and internationally.



We teach oral health therapists, dental technicians, and dentists, dental specialists, and researchers, while also providing best-practice dental services to the community.

Patient services

Research

Undergraduate study

Postgraduate study

About the Faculty of Dentistry