UNO, UNMC Launch Dual Degree to Equip Future Dentists with Business Skills

Future dentists now have a fast track to get the skills they need to confidently enter private practice thanks to a new collaborative effort between the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

➡️ What’s new:

The University of Nebraska System Board of Regents on Friday, Feb. 7, approved of a dual degree offering between the UNO College of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and the UNMC College of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program. DDS students will be able to pursue the dual degree starting in the Summer 2025 semester.

💡 Why it matters:

• Running a dental practice isn’t just about clinical expertise. It’s also about managing a business. Most UNMC College of Dentistry graduates enter private practice, with many eventually owning their own clinics.

• By combining dentistry with an MBA, this program equips future professionals with leadership, financial management, and strategic decision-making skills crucial to the modern healthcare environment.

🔎Zoom in:

• The program allows DDS students to count nine credit hours of dental coursework toward their MBA, reducing the overall credit load.

• This means students can earn their MBA more efficiently and affordably compared to completing both degrees separately.

• Since both programs already exist, no new resources are required—a win for students and the partnering universities.

📈 By the numbers: Demand for dentists is on the rise according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Overall employment of dentists is projected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033.

• About 4,900 openings for dentists are projected each year, on average, over the decade, largely due to the need to replace dentists who switch careers or retire.

🎤 What they’re saying:

• Steve Schulz, Ph.D., UNO CBA Interim Dean: “This program is a testament to the incredible spirit of collaboration between UNO and UNMC. By working together, we are not only enhancing educational opportunities but also strengthening Nebraska’s workforce. This initiative aligns perfectly with our shared mission of preparing students with the skills they need to lead, innovate, and succeed in their professions.”

• Gerard Kugel, DMD, Ph.D., UNMC College of Dentistry Dean: “The business side of dentistry can be just as critical as clinical expertise, especially for those who aspire to run their own practices. This dual-degree pathway makes it easier than ever for future dentists to develop the leadership and financial skills needed to thrive in today’s healthcare landscape. It’s an innovative approach to addressing a clear workforce need.”

⚡ What’s next:

Are you a UNMC student interested in the program? To be eligible for enrollment, you must:

• Be admitted to the DDS degree program

• Meet UNO MBA program requirements

• Complete UNO’S Application for Graduate Admission

• Submit required transcripts, language proficiency exam results (if applicable), and résumé.