Dental public health is the specialty of dentistry that promotes oral health as well as the prevention and control of dental diseases. The American Association of Public Health Dentistry identifies several ways that public health dentists can promote oral health, such as assessing the oral health needs of the community, developing and implementing oral health policy and providing programs and services that address oral health issues. The department coordinates the Student Community Outreach Program and Education (SCOPE) and offers a Certificate in Dental Public Health
Almost all oral diseases can be prevented, however diseases such as caries or “cavities” remain the most common chronic disease of children ages five through 17 in the U.S. and around the world. With increasing links between oral health and systemic health, it is of increasing importance for public health dentists to educate the community about oral health issues.
The Department of Dental Public Health has three objectives that play a crucial role in support of the school’s teaching and service mission:
- Providing high quality education
- Conducting scholarly research
- Acting as a resource service unit in public health dentistry
Education for the Future
The Department of Dental Public Health educates residents and pre-doctoral (DMD) students with a curriculum that is rooted in critical thinking, evidence-based care, and clinical competence. This innovative and relevant curriculum prepares students for the practice of dentistry in the twenty-first century. Over the past five years, the department has witnessed marked increases in research productivity, as well as nationally recognized community service.
Research and Resources that Change Lives
Faculty in the Department of Dental Public Health are engaged in high-quality research to advance knowledge in dentistry. The department acts as a resource service unit throughout the School of Dental Medicine, the University of Pittsburgh, and in the community. Through its extensive program of community service, the department contributes to the expansion of frontiers in oral health.
Ongoing goals
- Further expanding teaching electives
- Expanding support of community-oriented dental public health programs
- Strengthening Pitt Dental Medicine's interaction with the community
- Growing of the research program within the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia
Learn about Pitt Dental Medicine Dental Public Health faculty
For students with a strong interest in improving the oral health of the community