Faculty of Dentistry

We train professionals distinguished by their solid scientific background in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and promotion of oral health at the community, family, and individual levels. We also develop cutting-edge skills and research.

Founded in October 1995, the Dentistry program opens its doors to the community, focusing its professional work on training, prevention, and the provision of comprehensive services.  

The vocation for academic excellence, commitment to people, and the creation of knowledge through scientific research are the hallmarks of this academic unit. The Faculty of Dentistry will be established in 2022, continuing the legacy of the program from the 90s.  

In a years-long effort by the Faculty's academics, the Ministry of Health recognized Geriatric Dentistry as a specialty in 2024. 

 

Soraya León Araya
Faculty of Dentistry
Doyenne

“The School of Dentistry has a strong commitment to academic excellence and a commitment to the community, standing out for training professionals based on a comprehensive approach, incorporating ethical competencies, critical thinking, and social responsibility. We are firmly committed to creating knowledge through scientific research, with a global approach. Thus, research is one of our pillars, with an emphasis on innovation and the transfer of knowledge into clinical practice. We are committed to continuing to advance the training of the best professionals and to generating knowledge that positively impacts people's health.” 

The Dentistry program trains dentists with a solid scientific background. Professionals are qualified to lead and act as agents of change in the health of individuals, families, and communities.  

UTalca has modern classrooms and laboratories for the professional development of its students and faculty. Professionals will be able to work in comprehensive clinical dental care, academic teaching activities, planning and implementing public programs aimed at the prevention and control of oral diseases, and private practice, among other areas.   

  • The Dentistry program is accredited for 6 years.
  • It has an excellent academic staff with 84% of its teaching staff being specialist dentists with master's or doctoral degrees in various dental areas.
  • The Ministry of Health officially recognized Geriatric Dentistry as a specialty.
  • The Specialization in Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging has been accredited for six years, providing the highest recognition in its category nationwide.
  • In 2024, the new specialization programs in Periodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology began.
  • In May 2025, the first generation of geriatric dentists in Chile graduated.
01

Soraya León Araya - Faculty of Dentistry

Doyenne
02

Álvaro Arellano Arriagada - Dentistry School

Director
03

César Rivera Martínez - Master of Science in Oral and Maxillofacial Health

Program Director
04

Soraya León Araya - Specialization in Geriatric Dentistry

Program Director
05

Alejandro Hidalgo Rivas - Specialization in Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging

Program Director
06

Jaime Jacques Bravo - Specialization in Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology

Program Director
07

Teresa Azócar Cabello - Specialization in Oral Rehabilitation

Program Director
08

Vidal Pérez Valdés - Specialization in Pediatric Dentistry

Program Director
09

Marcelo López Espinoza - Specialization in Endodontics

Program Director
010

Sergio Matus - Specialization in Periodontics

Program Director
011

Francisco Donoso Martínez - Specialization in Orthodontics and Dentomaxillofacial Orthopedics

Program Director

Dentistry School

In its more than 31 years of operation, this educational center of excellence stands out for its training of undergraduate and graduate professionals and for its impact on improving people's quality of life through its dental clinics.

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Common

Located on the Lircay Campus, the School of Dentistry features modern clinical simulation laboratories and a first-class digital dental system for students, faculty, researchers, and the local community.