Serving Nordic oral health for over 50 years

Nordic Institute of Dental Materials (NIOM) was established in 1972, as a joint Nordic institute located in Oslo. Our obligation was and still is to work towards ensuring that the materials and equipment intended for use in dentistry in the Nordic countries are safe and appropriate. This aim is met through research, materials testing, and standardisation.

In 2009, the Nordic Council of Ministers Lenke til et annet nettsted, åpnes i nytt vindu. decided to make NIOM a Nordic Cooperative Body for dental biomaterials and transfer the ownership to national authorities in Norway. In 2010, the ownership changed to Unirand, a subsidiary company to the University of Oslo, and The Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services (HOD) Lenke til et annet nettsted, åpnes i nytt vindu.. Since 2019 NIOM has been owned jointly by NORCE Lenke til et annet nettsted, åpnes i nytt vindu. and HOD.

Promoting patient safety

The Nordic Institute of Dental Materials (NIOM) works to ensure that dental biomaterials are safe and effective. We undertake research, participate in standardisation and provide clinically relevant advice to the dental health services and health authorities in the Nordic countries.

NIOM offers research-based consultancy and accredited testing according to international standards. Our independent test laboratory delivers accurate and independent data accepted for third-party evaluations of dental materials and instruments.

We are responsible for promoting a continuing Nordic collaboration in the field of dental biomaterials. NIOM maintains a distinct Nordic profile through broad contacts with the Nordic dental educational institutions and research centers. Our research and consulting are required to be scientifically founded and applicable to clinical dentistry.

NIOM leads and provides the secretariat for the National Network Group for Research and Innovation in Oral Health. The group includes representatives from Norway’s universities and colleges that train oral-health professionals, regional competence centres, NIOM, county municipalities and private dentists, with observers from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and Directorate of Health. It was established by the Ministry of Health and Care Services to advance the strategy ‘Together for a Knowledge Lift in Oral Health – Research and Innovation Strategy in the Dental Health Field (2017-2027)’.

Furthermore, the Dental Biomaterials Adverse Reaction Unit, which is a part of NIOM, assesses reports of adverse reactions in Norway and works to gain stronger collaboration with clinical and regulatory actors, aiming to share expertise on material safety across the Nordic region.

History

In 2022, NIOM celebrated 50 years. Below is a short overview of the NIOM history.

  • 2025 The Dental Biomaterials Adverse Reaction Unit becomes a part of NIOM
  • 2022 NIOM celebrates it’s 50th with an anniversary book
  • 2019 University of Oslo transferred its ownership in NIOM to NORCE
  • 2017 NIOM celebrates 45 years
  • 2010 NIOM became a Nordic Co-operative Body
    Owned by the University of Oslo and the Ministry of Health and Care ServicesNIOM moves to its current locations in Oslo, Norway
  • 2009 Last year as an institution under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers
  • 2004 The Notified Body activities transferred to a Norwegian foundation, NDC
  • 1998 The Nordic certification programme terminated
  • 1997 NIOM celebrates 25 years
  • 1996 Information from NIOM is available on the Internet
    This year NIOM launched its first ever website
  • 1995 NIOM appointed Notified Body
  • 1992 NIOM achieves Accreditation on 22 October
  • 1987 NIOM moves to new locations at Haslum outside of Oslo
  • 1979 First year of visiting scientist programme
  • 1977 The establishment of NIOM fulfilled according to the plan
  • 1974 The first list of certified materials
    27 dental amalgam alloys
  • 1974 Iceland included as a member
  • 1972 Appoints the first director
    Dr. odont. Ivar A. Mjör
  • 1972 Nordic Institute of Dental Materials (NIOM) was established
  • 1970 The board representing Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway had their first meeting