Dental public health is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. It focuses on preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts, serving the community as a whole rather than individual patients. Dental public health specialists have broad knowledge and skills in:
- Public health administration
- Research methodology
- Prevention and control of oral diseases
- Delivery and financing of oral health care
The Indiana University School of Dentistry and the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health jointly offer a dual degree program that allows you to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) and a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in about five years.