At a time of increasing pressure on the oral health sector, the Dutch government has decided to maintain the duration of the Dentistry degree at six years. This decision follows widespread concern within the sector about the possible consequences of a shortening for the quality of care.
BACKGROUND: THE PROPOSAL FOR SHORTENING
The previous cabinet proposed to shorten the Dentistry education from six to five years, with the aim of training more dentists faster and tackling the growing shortage of dentists. However, this measure would only have an effect in the long term, as the necessary changes in legislation and implementation would not be realized until around 2033-2034.
OBJECTIONS FROM THE SECTOR
Universities, professional associations such as the KNMT and other stakeholders voiced strong objections to the proposed shortening. They emphasized that a shorter training would undermine the quality of dental care, endanger patient safety and weaken the scientific basis of the training. An independent committee also concluded that a shortening would not be justified.
THE DECISION: RETENTION OF THE SIX-YEAR TRAINING
After consultation with the parties involved, the Ministers of Education and Public Health have decided to keep the Dentistry program at six years. At the same time, the number of training places will be expanded by 31 extra places: 26 in the academic year 2025-2026 and 5 in 2026-2027. This expansion is a step towards tackling the shortage of dentists, although the Capacity Body advises training 375 dentists annually to meet future demand.
IMPLICATIONS FOR ORAL CARE
The retention of the six-year training guarantees the quality and safety of dental care in the Netherlands. For the oral care sector, this means that new dentists enter the practice well-prepared and competent. The expansion of training places is a positive development, but further measures are needed to effectively address the shortage of dentists in the long term.
CONCLUSION
The decision to keep the Dentistry program at six years emphasizes the importance of quality in Dutch oral care. Although the expansion of training places is a step in the right direction, it remains essential that the sector and policymakers work together on sustainable solutions to the dentist shortage.