Danske Osteopater – The Danish Association of Osteopaths
Country: Denmark
2013
Year established
320
Members
2018
Year of regulation
Danske Osteopater was founded in 2013 and represents the majority of osteopaths practising in Denmark. The organisation currently has around 320 authorised members and approximately 100 student members, totalling over 420 members. Since July 1, 2018, osteopathy has been recognised in Denmark as a fully regulated healthcare profession. The title “osteopath” is protected by law, and osteopaths are licensed primary contact practitioners, meaning that patients can consult them directly without referral. There are no legal restrictions to the scope of practice.
Individuals must apply for authorisation as an osteopath through the Danish Patient Safety Authority (Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed), which sets and upholds the national educational and professional standards. There are currently two four-year part-time MSc osteopathy programmes delivered in Denmark for healthcare professionals, typically physiotherapists or medical doctors. These are provided by the International Academy of Osteopathy (IAO) and the European School of Osteopathy (ESO).
Osteopathy is covered by most private health insurance providers in Denmark, including Sygeforsikringen “danmark”, PFA, Danica, Dansk Sundhedssikring, Gjensidige, Topdanmark, and others.
Danske Osteopater continues to promote the profession through political engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and public education.