Public Health Dentist
How to Enter This Career
Public health dentistry differs from clinical dentistry in that they their primary concern is working with government programs and improving dental health across populations, rather than with individuals. Dentists are required to graduate from an accredited dental school, as well as pass licensing exams. Dental school takes about four years to complete, and these programs can be very competitive. Before schools admit students, they generally look at their DAT scores, their grade point average, recommendations, and interviews. In order to become a public health dentist, students usually have to:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or at least two years of pre-dental college coursework before applying to dental school
- Take and pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
- Graduate from an accredited dental school
- Pass licensing exams
Daily Duties of a Public Health Dentist
Public health dentists usually work with government-sponsored programs in order to teach and educate the public about dental help. The most common way this is done is through programs in public schools that educate children on proper techniques to clean their teeth. On a broader scale, public health dentists aim to improve oral health specialized to certain communities and populations. The biggest concern is preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease).
Earning Power and Job Outlook
This field continues to grow faster than average due to the increasing population of elderly. As baby boomers age, so does the need for more complicated dental care, as this generation is more likely to keep their teeth and need dental work as compared to generations before them. In the public health realm, dentists are looking to large-scale solutions to oral health problems. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly salary for dentists was between $61.81 and $63.24. This can vary greatly depending on the work environment. Dentists in private practice tend to earn higher salaries than government and public employees.
Best Online MPH (Master of Public Health) Degrees
Public health is the science of preventing disease and promoting health at the population level. Programs prepare students to become leading public health professionals capable of addressing current global public health problems. By clicking on the logos below, you can receive more information regarding your degree and school of choice.
Master of Public HealthMPH: Disaster Mgmt MPH: Health Education MPH: Health Policy MPH/MBA Dual Degree |
Benedictine University – Benedictine University's Master's in Public Health program features a curriculum of public health core with a focus on the needs of today's healthcare industry. Courses feature a conceptual, factual, and skill base where students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting. Benedictine offers areas of emphasis within their MPH program: disaster management, health education, and healthcare policy. They also offer an MPH/MBA dual degree. |
MS: Health Communication |
Boston University – At the Boston University online Master of Science in Health Communication program, students are taught cutting edge methods in hospital administration through a dynamic curriculum that examines current healthcare issues. The program gives students a world class education in the art of communicating health literacy. |
Master of Public HealthMPH: Behavioral Science MPH: Health Policy |
Capella University – The MPH program at Capella University prepares students for careers in public health management, social welfare, or research. Key facets of the curriculum include the behavioral, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the health of populations. Specializations include behavioral science and healthcare policy. Courses include International Public Health, Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health, and Principles of Biostatistics. |
Master of Public Health |
Grand Canyon University – The Grand Canyon University Master of Public Health program is recognized as a leader in training the next generation of public health advocates. Featuring a curriculum that is developed around a multidisciplinary methodology, courses include Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, and Social, Behavioral, and Cultural Factors in Public Health. |
MHA: Health EducationMHA |
University of Phoenix – The Master of Health Administration and MHA in Health Education programs at the University of Phoenix provide a foundation in sciences with a relevant working knowledge of the industry. Graduates of either online degree program will be empowered to both analyze current public health care environments and have the tools necessary to improve their management. |
Master of Public HealthMPH: Health Education |
Kaplan University – Graduates of the Kaplan University MPH program are ready to take their careers to the next stage at the government, nonprofit, or private level. The online program provides students with an education on how to analyze and apply scientific research, prepare public health policies, develop health education programs, and review the impact of occupational and environmental factors. Kaplan offers several specializations within their MPH program, including health education. |
MS: Disaster Mgmt |
Philadelphia University – The Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management at Philadelphia University is focused on the study of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, hazardous materials, natural disasters, psychological effects of disasters, stress intervention, and disaster research. In a post 9/11 world, this knowledge is in high demand. |
Master of Public HealthMPH: Epidemiology MPH: Health Mgmt MPH: Intl Public Health |
University of Liverpool – The University of Liverpool Master of Public Health degree provides a foundation in the science of promoting health and preventing disease. Areas of emphasis within the MPH program include epidemiology, healthcare management, and international public health. As an added convenience, the university offers a modular system that provides students the flexibility of obtaining credits at partner institutions. |
Master of Public HealthMPA: Health Policy |
Walden University – The Walden University MPH degree teaches the development of healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. The program provides core study in the public health field, using real-world teaching methodology, industry leading professors, and a capstone fieldwork practicum. Those interested in policymaking may find Walden's MPA in health policy to be of interest. |
MS: Health ServicesMBA: Health Services |
Strayer University – Strayer University offers two health services administration degrees through its accredited online program. The Master of Health Services Administration prepares students for high-level careers as healthcare managers, managed healthcare plan coordinators, hospital administrators, and much more. The MBA in health services administration gives students a well-rounded business education in addition to healthcare-specific knowledge. |


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