Copenhagen’s School of Oral Health Care supports future dental professionals through solution-oriented partnership with Planmeca

Planmeca had the pleasure of welcoming Bo Danielsen, Director of the School of Oral Health Care at the University of Copenhagen, as one of the keynote speakers at the 2024 Dental Education Summit. Danielsen gave a lecture on the future demands of patient safety and later shared his vision on dental education with Planmeca. 

For the past 14 years, Danielsen has led the School of Oral Health Care at the University of Copenhagen, demonstrating a deep commitment to enhancing the learning experiences of dental students and fostering growth within the institution. With a diverse background that includes dentistry, an MBA, and a degree in information technology and learning, he is passionate about preventive healthcare and health promotion.

Preparing dentistry students for both present and future challenges 

At the University of Copenhagen, the School of Oral Health Care educates future dental hygienists and assistants. Its facilities were refurbished as recently as 2023 with cutting-edge Planmeca Compact™ iSim simulation units and Planmeca Compact™ i Classic dental care units.  

The School of Oral Health Care’s primary focus lies in preparing students for both present and future challenges in dentistry, ensuring they acquire not just the knowledge they need today, but also the skills to continue learning and adapting throughout their careers. Danielsen is particularly concerned with creating an environment where students can flourish, helping them navigate the complexities of modern life and education. 

"I think we have to make sure that our students can thrive and succeed," Danielsen says. He emphasises the need for a psychologically safe learning environment, where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in open discussions with their teachers, encouraging a more effective and supportive educational experience.

Long-term partnerships for innovation in dental education 

For Danielsen, an important aspect of offering sustainable and high-quality education is long-term partnerships between the school and its business collaborators. Since 2008, the school and Planmeca have collaborated closely to develop innovative solutions and overcome challenges together.  

The school believes that these kinds of cooperations not only improve the educational experience but also support a more enjoyable and constructive problem-solving process. "We like to cooperate with people who are willing to go into a true partnership," he says. 

With the latest equipment and technology provided by partners like Planmeca, the school’s modern facilities help to maintain its reputation as an advanced and forward-thinking institution, attracting a high number of applicants each year.

Hands-on learning with LM Dental Tracking System™ 

As with Planmeca, the school has enjoyed a productive partnership with LM-Dental, a subsidiary of Planmeca Group, and actively uses their LM Dental Tracking System™ as part of the teaching. The dental tracking system ensures a high level of patient safety by documenting the sterilisation process for all instruments, preventing the accidental use of unclean tools.  

Students are actively involved in maintaining these high standards, participating in cleaning and preparing the equipment and facilities for their peers. This hands-on approach not only enhances their technical skills but also teaches them the importance of hygiene, infection control and patient safety.

Passion for patient safety and sustainability 

When it comes to the future, Danielsen highlights the crucial role companies like Planmeca play in maintaining excellence in patient safety and environmental responsibility. He stresses the importance of ensuring that the tools and equipment provided by the companies continue to meet the highest standards, enabling both effective treatment and sustainable practices to deliver excellent patient care.

Text: Iiris Yli-Jama
Images: Dino Azinur/Janne Andersen, courtesy of the School of Oral Health Care at the University of Copenhagen