The collaborative effort will give dentists the skills they need to lead their own practices as demand for dentists increases.
by SAM PESHEK
UNO Director of Editorial and Media Relations
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).
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 now allows DDS students to pursue the dual degree starting in the Summer 2025 semester.
“This program is a testament to the incredible spirit of collaboration between UNO and UNMC,” UNO CBA Interim Dean Steve Schulz, Ph.D., said. “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.”
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.
The program has arrived right as demand for dentists is, 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.
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.
