It is with great pride and sincere pleasure that I welcome you to the official website of the University of Dental Medicine, Yangon - a leading institution committed to academic excellence, clinical innovation, and community service in the field of dental education in Myanmar.

Since its establishment in 1964 as the College of Dental Medicine, our institution has grown from its humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of oral healthcare education. The initial mission was clear and noble: to cultivate competent basic dental surgeons who could serve the oral health needs of the Myanmar population. In parallel, the institution also pioneered dental auxiliary training programs, including the Dental Nurse Course and the Dental Technician School, contributing to the broader dental workforce development.

In 1997, our campus was relocated to Than Thu Mar Road in Thingangyun Township, Yangon, marking a new chapter in our growth. In 2003, the College was formally upgraded to a full-fledged University, further strengthening our academic and professional contributions. The curriculum has since evolved significantly, incorporating not only strong foundations in biomedical and clinical sciences but also integrating primary health care principles, behavioral science, clinical problem-solving, and professional development, ensuring that our graduates are both technically competent and socially responsible.

In addition to undergraduate education, the University has offered postgraduate training programs since 1993, including the Diploma in General Dental Practice and the Master of Dental Science. The inauguration of a new main building and a 50-bedded Oral and Maxillofacial Teaching Hospital in 2005 has allowed us to expand our clinical services, research endeavors, and student training opportunities. With the endorsement of the Ministry of Health, Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs were introduced in 2002, and most recently, we have been proud to initiate the Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implantology starting from the 2020 academic year.

As we continue to expand and reform our programs, Quality Assurance in dental education remains a top priority ensuring we meet national standards and align with international benchmarks such as those established by the Asian University Network (AUN). We are fully committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous quality improvement, reflecting the evolving needs of our nation and the expectations of a globally connected academic community.

Our university’s motto, “Dentists: Competency and Community-Oriented,” reminds us of our dual responsibility - to cultivate dental professionals of high clinical skill and to remain responsive to the oral health needs of the public. In alignment with this vision, we actively participated in the Bangkok Declaration 2015 during the ASEAN Dental Forum in Thailand, and we are preparing to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by ASEAN Accreditation and the free flow of dentists across the region.

As a member university of International Dental Collaboration of the Mekong River Region (IDCMR), we have reaffirmed our commitment to academic collaboration and regional partnerships. We are actively collaborating with fellow ASEAN dental institutions (South East Asian Association for Dental Education, SEAADE) to address disparities in oral health and to enhance the quality and consistency of dental care across the region, while also engaging in global academic and scientific exchange through our participation in the International Association of Dental Research (IADR).

As Rector, I call upon all members of our University - faculty, staff, students, and alumni - to work hand in hand to ensure that our institution continues to thrive, innovate, and lead. Let us move forward together, embracing change while honoring our heritage, to build a healthier future for the people of Myanmar and beyond.

Prof. Dr. Kyaw Thiha

Rector
University of Dental Medicine, Yangon
Ministry of Health, Republic of the Union of Myanmar