Rate My Professor John M. Aarts

Associate Professor John M. Aarts is the Dental Technology Programme Convenor and Discipline Head for Clinical Dental Technology and Dental Technology in the Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago. He holds qualifications including a Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc), Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology (PGDipCDentTech), Bachelor of Education (BEd), and Diploma in Dental Technology (DipDentTech). His career at the University of Otago encompasses teaching undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in dental technology, including the Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech), PGDipCDentTech, Master of Dental Technology (MDentTech), and PhD levels. Aarts contributes to the Sir John Walsh Research Institute through collaborative research on biomaterials, prosthodontics, and related fields within the Faculty of Dentistry.

Aarts' research specializations include dental technology and clinical themes, dental implants and associated removable dentures, dental materials particularly for removable appliances, stress analysis using physical and finite element methods, and qualitative research on clinical issues and the dental technology profession. His publications reflect significant contributions to these areas, with key works such as 'Influence of different post-washing parameters on the properties of additively-manufactured dental devices: A systematic review' (Journal of Dentistry, 2026, with X. Wang et al.), 'Occlusal accuracy of digitally manufactured removable dentures: A systematic review of in vitro studies' (Journal of Dentistry, 2025, with X. Wang et al.), 'Incisal preparation design for ceramic veneers: A critical review' (2018, 126 citations), 'Comparison of hardness and polishability of various occlusal splint materials' (2021, 90 citations), and 'Finite element analysis of an implant-assisted removable partial denture during bilateral loading: occlusal rests position' (2014, 63 citations). These studies address critical topics like additively manufactured materials, wear resistance, fit accuracy of 3D-printed frameworks, and strain distribution in implant-assisted prostheses. Aarts serves on committees including the Dental Council of New Zealand, as a professional expert for the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Australia, and the Dental Technology Admissions Panel at the Department of Oral Rehabilitation, underscoring his influence in the field.