Published: 18 November 2025
After a hiatus due to the global pandemic, the relaunch of the NUS Dentistry Overseas Enrichment Programme (OEP) during the September 2025 term break marked a significant milestone in our commitment to providing a holistic and global education to our undergraduate students.
31 of our third-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students embarked on an enriching 1-to-2-week journey, immersing themselves in the academic and clinical environments of five world-renowned dental schools:
The OEP offered a transformative learning experience to our BDS students, providing them with the opportunity to visit a partner dental school overseas and participate in diverse academic and clinical learning activities. Through this experience, students broadened their exposure to international dental education and gained an appreciation of the similarities and differences in practices and perspectives that shape oral healthcare across different countries.
Additionally, the OEP provided students with an invaluable platform to connect with peers and faculty from across the globe, fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding, and building a global network of future colleagues and professionals.
OEP (Institute of Science Tokyo) participants with Dr Utsuno Hajime (fourth from right), Junior Associate Professor in the Department of Forensic Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry
OEP (University of Dundee) participants with University of Dundee School of Dentistry Year 4 student Benjamin Chiam (front row, first from right) and Dr Jennifer Chalmers (front row, second from right), Clinical Lecturer at the School of Dentistry
OEP (University of Glasgow) participants with Dr Kurt Busuttil Naudi (first from left), Senior Clinical University Lecturer/Honorary Consultant in Oral Surgery at the Glasgow Dental School
OEP (University of Melbourne) participants with Dr Michelle (fifth from right), Dr Andre Priede (third from right), Lecturer in General Dentistry, and Ms Julie Owen (first from right), Senior Lecturer in Oral Health of the Melbourne Dental School
OEP (University of North Carolina) participants with Dr Miguel Simancas-Pallares (back row, third from right), Predoctoral Programme Director in Pediatric Dentistry, and student ambassadors (back row, three from left) at the Adams School of Dentistry
Visiting the Institute of Science in Tokyo gave me valuable insights into how dental education and patient care are delivered in Japan. I was particularly fascinated by the emphasis on innovation, research, and targeted patient care. Beyond academics, I also appreciated the cultural exchange and warm hospitality from the students and faculty. The experience broadened my perspectives on dentistry and deepened my appreciation for global collaboration in healthcare.
Charles Lim, OEP (Institute of Science Tokyo) Group Leader
The OEP has shown me that the world of dentistry is so much bigger than what we see here in NUS. We saw how there is such a vast amount of techniques and knowledge out there, and we are only barely scratching the surface during our time in dental school. While it does seem daunting to discover how little we know, it is also exciting to see that dentistry is such an ever-evolving field where there are countless new techniques being developed, and seeing how such different techniques are being employed really brought this concept to life for me.
Josiah He, OEP (University of Dundee) Group Leader
Our hosts were welcoming and ensured that my OEP group had an enriching and insightful time there. It was truly a privilege to have been able to observe how other dental schools and healthcare systems operate, and we have learned much from this experience.
Glenys Huan, OEP (University of Glasgow) Group Leader
Overall, we had an incredibly enjoyable and memorable time. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to experience an overseas university, and to learn alongside – and from – the wonderful students at our host institution. We also gained much valuable learning experiences, new friendships, cherished memorabilia, and fond memories of our explorations around the city.
Ding Qichen, OEP (University of Melbourne) Group Leader
Our OEP to the University of North Carolina was an incredibly enriching experience. We had the opportunity to explore their world-class facilities, attend lectures, and assist dental students in their clinics. Beyond academics, we forged meaningful friendships and immersed ourselves in the vibrant student culture – culminating in the unforgettable experience of spectating a college football game. Go Tar Heels!
Lee Ho-Young, OEP (University of North Carolina) Group Leader
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partner universities for their warm hospitality and for making this invaluable experience possible for our students.
