D.D.S./M.P.H. Dual Degree

Prepare for a career in dental public health

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.

Contact us

For more information about the D.D.S. program, contact the School of Dentistry’s Office of Student Affairs and Admissions.
Phone: 317-274-8173
Email: dsadmit@iu.edu

For more information about the M.P.H. program, contact the Fairbanks School of Public Health.
Phone: 317-274-2000
Email: fsphinfo@iu.edu

About the program

The D.D.S./M.P.H. coordinated curriculum allows you to begin working toward the M.P.H. degree during your third year in the D.D.S. program. Some of the D.D.S. program coursework will count toward the M.P.H. degree.

Earning the D.D.S. and M.P.H. degrees qualifies you to apply for a one-year residency that will prepare you for the American Board of Dental Public Health specialty exam. Dental public health specialists typically find employment in federal and state public health agencies, hospitals, the military, and other settings.

Learn how to apply to the D.D.S. program

Learn how to apply to the M.P.H. program

Find out more