ObjectivesTo help students understand the oral health needs and demands of their communities and to plan appropriate services.
Entry requirementspeople with a dental degree.
Academic titleMSc Dental Public Health
Course descriptionProgramme description
- Attachments and placements with Consultants in Dental Public Health (DPH) working in primary dental care settings.
- MSc DPH research projects linked to research themes within the Department of Oral Health Services & Dental Public Health; many students publish their MSc research projects in peer-reviewed journals.
- Opportunity to work and learn with a multidisciplinary team including health psychologists, sociologists, bio-statisticians and dentists, dental public health specialists and consultants.
Subjects covered include major health problems and current public health measures, epidemiology, prevention and control of oral and dental diseases, health education and social and behavioural sciences.
Programme format and assessment
Modular programme consisting of 180 credits, as follows: Two taught modules, assessed by written examination; one practical module, involving written, practical and oral examinations; one research module, involving the submission of a research project report including a literature review.
Programme modules for MSc Dental Public Health
Applied Dental Public Health (Core Module)
This 45 credit module aims to produce a highly knowledgeable professional in Dental Public Health at masters level. At the end of the module, you will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and deep understanding of the following areas which are relevant to the study of Dental Public Health: Applied Public Health; Applied Epidemiology; Health Promotion; Applied Medical Statistics; Applied Sociology and Psychology; Health Economics; Health Services Management; Planning of Health Care; Evidence-Based Practice; Demography; Patient Management; Research Methodology; Professional Responsibility. Students will be also able to form concepts of oral health, devise and support arguments for oral health, reflect critically on ones own academic work and reflect critically on approaches to delivering oral health care. Assessment is by written examination.
Dental Public Health Practice (Core Module)
This 30 credit module aims to produce a dentist proficient and skilful in Dental Public Health. At the end of the module, you will be able to undertake the following tasks relevant to the practice of Dental Public Health: Health Services Management and Planning; Apply the key principles of the Primary Health Care Approach; Apply the theory and practise of epidemiology, statistics and behavioural sciences to dental public health; Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of planning and evaluation of oral health care systems for populations and special need groups; Demonstrate self motivation and capacity to learn and think critically and analytically; Manage manpower, resources and time; Communicate the concepts and practical implications of dental public health; Communicate effectively with health care funders, patients, colleagues and the wider community. You will be also able to demonstrate the following skills: Take appropriate responsibility; Adapt to change; Perform correct clinical governance; Use information and communications technology; Ability to reflect critically on ones own approach to delivering oral health care to populations. Assessment is by written examination, a small project and an oral examination.
Dental Public Health Research (Core Module)
This 60 credit module aims to provide students with a scientifically rigorous research experience through undertaking a piece of research work and writing a report of the findings including a relevant literature review and appropriate statistical analysis. At the end of the module you will be able to: Analyse both scientific and clinical data; Critically review the relevant scientific literature; Plan a research project; Understand how to apply statistical analyses; Carry out a research project; Understand the effect of experimental variables; Use information and communications technology; Devise and support arguments for oral health; Present their work both orally and in writing. Assessment is by dissertation.
Science of Dental Public Health (Core Module)
This 45 credit module aims to produce a highly knowledgeable professional in Dental Public Health at masters level. At the end of the module, you will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and deep understanding of the following areas which are relevant to the study of Dental Public Health: Public Health; Epidemiology; Health Promotion; Medical Statistics; Sociology and Psychology; Health Economics; Evidence-Based Practice; Demography; Research Methodology. Students will be also able to form concepts of oral health, devise and support arguments for oral health and reflect critically on ones own academic work. Assessment is by written examination.