The Advanced Graduate Certificate program in Dental Public Health began during the 2023 fall semester with its first full-time dental resident. The 12-month (24 months for part-time students) 18-credit hour program provides a formal training opportunity for licensed dentists who are planning careers in dental public health using a curriculum centered on assessment, policy development and assurance. The coursework is designed to further educate specialists in the prevention of oral disease at the individual and population levels, particularly in underserved areas within Nevada.
Candidates who successfully complete the program will be able to challenge the certifying exam for the American Board of Dental Public Health.
The duration of the Advanced Graduate Certificate program in Dental Public Health is 12 months for full-time residents and 24 months for part-time residents with no gap in education or training. The curriculum comprises:
- Supervised research projects (2) [40%]
- Seminars (approximately 42): 3-4 hours in length; twice a week in the following domains: Public Health; Epidemiology; Behavioral Science; Biostatistics; Environmental Health; Healthcare Policy and Management [20%]
- Supervised field experiences such as the school-based sealant program, Early Childhood Caries Prevention Project, and rotations with community clinics and FQHCs [20%]
- Teaching—this will consist of lectures in pre-doctoral dental courses related to public health, health promotion, or community outreach [10%]
- Clinical Activities [10%]
Objectives within the Dental Public Health Residency Program include:
- Training competent public health dentists who can address the oral health needs of individuals across the life span;
- Providing field experiences that will enhance comprehension of evidence-based strategies for school- and community-based prevention programs;
- Training professionals with dental public health experience who can address oral health disparities in underserved and vulnerable populations;
- Retaining program graduates to help address workforce shortages in Nevada.
The program’s first year will consist of one full-time resident (12 months), and increase to two full-time and two part-time (24 months) residents during the second year. Beginning the third year, the program will enroll a maximum of three full-time and two part-time residents. The number of accepted residents each year may vary due on available resources.
Program candidates must have earned a master’s in public health from a United States Department of Education accredited institution, as well as a dental degree from a nationally or internationally CODA accredited school. Please note, the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners requires graduation from a CODA accredited school in order for candidates to be considered for licensure in the state.
The application process requires copies of the following:
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from the candidate’s dental school and MPH training programs
- TOEFL/WES scores (as appropriate)
- An essay about a dental public health topic
- A statement of career goals and objectives
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
Annual tuition is $7,215 for in-state applicants; $13,263 for out-of-state applicants (subject to change).
Dr. Christina Demopoulos
Program Director
christina.demopoulos@unlv.edu