Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

• in-depth knowledge of the core concepts of public health, including those within the disciplines of epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral science, environmental health, and health care policy and management; and
• in-depth knowledge of, and the ability to apply, the 10 competencies that define dental public health; manage oral health programs for population health; evaluate systems of care that impact oral health; demonstrate ethical decision-making in the practice of dental public health; design surveillance systems to measure oral health status and its determinants; communicate on oral and public health issues; lead collaborations on oral and public health issues; advocate for public health policy, legislation, and regulations to protect and promote the public’s oral health and overall health; critically appraise evidence to address oral and public health issues for individuals and populations; conduct research to address oral and public health problems; integrate the social determinants of health into dental public health practice; and critical thinking skills to develop and complete an evidenced-based research project as part of their master’s thesis.

The Master of Science program in dental public health requires 40 s.h. of coursework and is designed to be completed in two academic years of full-time study. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.

The program prepares dentists and dental hygienists to be specialists in dental public health. It emphasizes research and requires a research project culminating in the completion and defense of a thesis. Successful dentist graduates meet the educational requirements for eligibility to take the certifying examination of the American Board of Dental Public Health.

Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.

Academics

University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.

Admissions

Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.

Financial Support

Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.

Applicants must have a DDS degree or equivalent or be a dental hygienist with a baccalaureate degree. They also must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College and complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Dental Public Health, MS

a

Note: Upon completion of the program, graduates are educationally qualified to take the ABDPH exam and become board-certified in Dental Public Health.

b

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

c

Graduate College program GPA is comprised of all courses that are approved degree requirements. If a student takes more than the minimum required number of semester hours to complete the degree, but all courses taken are eligible to count toward the degree, those courses will be included in the Graduate College program GPA.

d

Taken at the end of first year.

e

Note: International students who must be enrolled full-time are required to take ORSC:5210 for 2 s.h.; does not count towards degree requirements.

f

Work with faculty advisor to choose appropriate graduate elective coursework.

g

Thesis defense; may complete during the summer after second year if necessary.