Dental Public Health
Improving oral health at a community level has become a major priority for healthcare systems around the world. As awareness of preventive healthcare continues to grow, dental public health plays an essential role in reducing oral diseases, promoting healthier lifestyles, and improving access to quality dental care. The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH) is designed to provide learners with advanced knowledge of public health principles and their application within oral healthcare settings.
The curriculum examines how oral health can be improved through effective planning, research, education, and prevention strategies. Key areas of investigation include oral health promotion, dental epidemiology, health policy, disease prevention, community oral health programmes, health inequalities, population health assessment, and evidence-based public health interventions. Particular attention is given to the factors that influence oral health outcomes across different communities and populations.
By integrating theory with current public health practices, this postgraduate diploma offers valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing modern oral healthcare systems. Learners develop advanced knowledge of dental public health strategies, policy development, and population-based approaches that support healthier communities and long-term improvements in oral health.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200694
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200694-1 |
Principles and Scope of Dental Public Health |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-2 |
Epidemiology and Research Methods in Oral Health |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-3 |
Oral Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Strategies |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-4 |
Policy Development and Healthcare Systems in Dentistry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-5 |
Leadership, Ethics, and Professionalism in Dental Public Health |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-6 |
Advanced Project in Dental Public Health |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Principles and Scope of Dental Public Health
- Analyse the fundamental concepts, objectives, and functions of dental public health.
- Evaluate the role of public health in improving community oral health outcomes.
- Apply evidence-based approaches to identify and address oral health challenges.
- Demonstrate understanding of the historical evolution and global perspectives of dental public health.
2. Epidemiology and Research Methods in Oral Health
- Interpret and apply epidemiological principles in oral health studies.
- Critically evaluate research methodologies used in dental public health.
- Design and conduct data collection, analysis, and interpretation for oral health research.
- Assess the impact of epidemiological findings on policy and practice.
3. Oral Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Strategies
- Develop and implement effective oral health promotion programmes.
- Evaluate preventive dentistry strategies for different population groups.
- Apply behavioural and educational theories to improve oral health outcomes.
- Assess the effectiveness of disease prevention interventions in community settings.
4. Policy Development and Healthcare Systems in Dentistry
- Analyse the structure and function of healthcare systems related to oral health.
- Evaluate the process of policy formulation, implementation, and assessment.
- Assess the influence of legislation and public health policies on dental services.
- Propose policy recommendations based on evidence and community needs.
5. Leadership, Ethics, and Professionalism in Dental Public Health
- Apply ethical principles in public health decision-making.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing public health programmes.
- Promote interprofessional collaboration within dental and healthcare teams.
- Critically assess professional responsibilities and accountability in dental public health.
6. Advanced Project in Dental Public Health
- Plan, design, and execute an independent research project in dental public health.
- Apply advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to address public health issues.
- Present research findings in a professional and academically rigorous manner.
- Evaluate the implications of project outcomes for public health practice and policy.
This postgraduate qualification is particularly suitable for:
- Dental professionals looking to develop specialist expertise in dental public health and community oral health improvement.
- Dentists seeking a deeper understanding of oral health promotion, disease prevention, and public health interventions.
- Healthcare professionals interested in addressing oral health inequalities and improving access to dental care services.
- Individuals involved in community health programmes, health education, and oral health awareness initiatives.
- Professionals seeking advanced knowledge of dental epidemiology, population health assessment, and public health research.
- Learners interested in health policy development, healthcare planning, and evidence-based oral health strategies.
- Public health practitioners aiming to strengthen their understanding of preventive dentistry and community-focused healthcare approaches.
- Professionals responsible for designing, implementing, or evaluating oral health improvement programmes.
- Individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in oral health advocacy, health promotion, and sustainable healthcare development.
- Learners seeking a recognised postgraduate qualification in Dental Public Health to support leadership roles, policy development, research, and career progression within public health and oral healthcare sectors.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH) must meet the following requirements to ensure high-quality delivery, learner support, and assessment standards:
- Accreditation and Approval
- The centre must be an approved LICQual training provider, meeting all compliance, quality assurance, and delivery standards.
- Qualified and Experienced Tutors
- Tutors must hold relevant academic and professional qualifications in dentistry, dental public health, or a related discipline, ideally at Level 7 or above.
- Tutors should have proven experience in teaching, mentoring, and assessing at postgraduate level, along with current industry knowledge.
- Assessment and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
- The centre must have qualified assessors and internal quality assurers with experience in postgraduate healthcare education.
- A robust IQA system should be in place to ensure fair, consistent, and valid assessment decisions.
- Learning Resources and Facilities
- Access to up-to-date learning materials, including dental public health research publications, epidemiological data sources, and case studies.
- Suitable classroom or virtual learning platforms equipped with multimedia capabilities for interactive teaching.
- Access to relevant software and online databases to support research and evidence-based practice.
- Learner Support Services
- Provision of academic guidance, study skills support, and career advice.
- Access to library resources (physical or digital) and peer discussion forums.
- Policies and Procedures
- Clear policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion, safeguarding, and health and safety.
- Data protection measures in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- CPD and Industry Engagement
- Commitment to continuous improvement by engaging with dental public health professionals, research bodies, and CPD activities to ensure content remains current and relevant.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.