Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science Program in Dental Public Health

The Master of Science program in Dental Public Health is a two-year program that includes formal coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, health care policy and management, environmental health, and behavioral sciences, as well as a field experience component. The program requires completion of a minimum of 40 semester hours of academic credit, as well as completion of a thesis based on original research.

Program Description

The program is designed to be completed in about 22 months, but most students require an additional summer session to complete the thesis, so that the typical time to complete the program is 25 months. The academic program starts in late June, and in consultation with the graduate program director, students will develop a plan of study, which includes a set of required courses and appropriate electives.

Requirements

Applicants should have a dental degree from a U.S. dental school or international equivalent; however, there is no requirement for a Master of Public Health (MPH) or other degree prior to enrollment, as components of the MPH are included as part of the program. The program only offers the MS degree; there is no certificate-only option. Dental hygienists with baccalaureate degrees are also eligible to be enrolled in the program, although they are not eligible to be certified as Dental Public Health specialists.

Application Procedures

All applicants must have taken either the GRE or DAT examination. International applicants must have also taken the TOEFL (or IELTS) examinations and apply by November 1 of the year prior to the intended start of the program. U.S./Canadian applicants should take the GRE or DAT and apply by March 1, but are encouraged to apply earlier if possible.

Application and Enrollment Timetable

Applicants selected as finalists will be invited for an in-person or telephone interview that typically occurs in December or January, followed by admission decisions soon thereafter. Orientation is typically the last week of June, with the program starting on July 1.

Dental Public Health Specialty and Program Information

Dental public health is one of the 12 dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The specialty is defined as “the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.” Training in the specialty requires a minimum of 2 years of advanced education beyond dental school, and must include instruction in biostatistics, epidemiology, health care policy and management, environmental health, and behavioral sciences.

Program Costs

The program costs include tuition, technology fees, student activities fees, student services fees, student union fees, building fees, recreation fees, arts and cultural events fees, professional enhancement fees, student health service fees, mental health fees, books, supplies, travel, copying and printing, background check, graduation and thesis fees, and international student fees. The total expenses for U.S. DDS students are approximately $3,136.75 for the summer session, $8,965.50 for the fall semester, and $8,965.50 for the spring semester. The total expenses for non-U.S. DDS students are approximately $3,171.75 for the summer session, $9,035.50 for the fall semester, and $9,035.50 for the spring semester.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The program has a list of frequently asked questions that provide additional information about the program, including eligibility, application procedures, program costs, and research opportunities.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the M.S. degree program in Dental Public Health includes required courses, elective courses, and a thesis. The required courses include Introduction to Dental Public Health, Literature Review Methods, Administration of Public Dental Programs, Preventive Programs in Dental Public Health, Field Experience in Dental Public Health, Dental Care Policy and Financing, Introduction to Statistical Computing, Research Protocol Seminar, Principles of Oral Epidemiology, Thesis, and Teaching Methods and Evaluation. The elective courses include Advanced Field Experience in Dental Public Health, Clinical Teaching Practicum, and Behavioral Science Courses.

Master of Science Program in Dental Public Health Alumni

The program has a list of alumni and their thesis titles, which provides information about the research areas and topics that have been explored by previous students.

Oral Science PhD Program Alumni with Dental Public Health Emphasis

The program also has a list of alumni with a Dental Public Health emphasis, which provides information about the research areas and topics that have been explored by previous students in the Oral Science PhD program.