Master of Dental Public and Primary Health

Program Overview

The Master of Dental Public and Primary Health empowers dental professionals to specialize in dental public health, equipping them with advanced knowledge and skills in health promotion, research, health management, and further study. This comprehensive program prepares students to become key decision-makers in shaping oral health policies, improving access to dental care, and fostering social justice. Students also develop critical analysis and research competence essential for careers in oral health research and academia.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Dental Public and Primary Health is a postgraduate program designed for dental professionals seeking a career in dental public health, health promotion, oral health research, health management, or further study (including a higher degree by research). The program aims to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills in dental public health required to specialize in this field. It fosters the development of critical analysis and research competence.

Outline:

• Core Units (48 points):
• DENT5600 Principles of Dental Public Health (6 points)
• DENT5626 Oral Health Care Provision (6 points)
• DENT5627 Oral Health Promotion (6 points)
• DENT5628 Management and Financing of Oral Health Services (6 points)
• DENT5629 Research Methods in Dental Public and Primary Health (6 points)
• DENT5630 Dental Epidemiology (6 points)
• PUBH4403 Epidemiology I (6 points)
• PUBH5752 Health Systems and Economics (6 points)
• Option Units (48 points):
• DENT5639 Dissertation (full-time) (48 points)
• DENT5641 Dissertation (part-time) (48 points)

Careers:

• Potential Careers:
• Allied health professional
• Public health officer
• Dentist
• Oral health therapist
• Dental hygienist
• Further Study:
• It can be studied full-time or part-time.
• The program is delivered on-campus.
• The program starts in Semester 1 and Semester 2.
• The program is 2 years in duration.
• Students can become key decision-makers in designing oral health measures and programs.
• Students develop skills to foster social justice and improve dental care access.
• Students have the opportunity to go on to international roles in managing and advising organizations on the delivery of oral health programs.
• The course also serves as preparation for a career in dental public health research.
• Students will learn to:
• Develop policies and diagnose and investigate community oral health needs, epidemiological issues, and hazards.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate oral health promotion measures and programs for communities.
• Evaluate the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of population-based oral health services.
• Critically assess preventive technologies for adoption in oral health programs and research innovative solutions for dental health problems.
• Promote social justice, enhance dental care access, and apply professional and ethical standards in oral health services.