Program Description:
Community oral health was recognized as a dental specialty in 1951 and has been established at many accredited universities worldwide over the past 30 years. Building on the foundations of community oral health, developed countries—particularly in Scandinavia—have made significant progress in controlling oral diseases and promoting oral health in their communities.
According to the latest revision of Iran’s dentistry curriculum in 2000, it was approved that community oral health departments be established in every dental school. In 2003, the first joint PhD program in community oral health was launched through cooperation between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the University of Helsinki at the School of Dentistry of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The program was established to train university faculty members for these departments.
Several dental schools across the country made efforts to establish an MSc program in community oral health. However, Tehran University of Medical Sciences was the pioneer in this field, successfully establishing the program and admitting students.
Definition
Community oral health (COH) focuses on the oral health of populations rather than individuals. It is defined as the science and art of preventing oral diseases, promoting oral health, and improving quality of life through the organized efforts of society. The discipline encompasses a broad range of topics, including prevention, management, policymaking, planning, implementation, and evaluation of dental services in the community. Successful completion of the program leads to a specialty or Master of Science (MSc) degree.
Objectives:
The aim of this educational program is to train dentists to earn an MSc in community oral health and attain internationally recognized levels of knowledge, attitudes, and scientific competencies. Graduates will be able to provide high-quality educational and research services and play an active role in oral health policymaking.
General Competencies
- Communication competencies: Building networks and developing and maintaining trusting, inspiring relationships with patients and colleagues.
- Supporting decision-makers and patients in making informed decisions.
- Seeking contributions from other disciplines and collaborating with peers and colleagues across departments and organizations.
- Writing and reporting:
- Writing clearly, concisely, coherently, and persuasively.
- Critical thinking: Identifying rules or principles that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzing information; and making valid inferences or accurate conclusions.
- Problem-solving
- Professionalism
Specific Competencies and Skills (Special Qualifications)
- Research skills for conducting oral health surveillance
- Assessing evidence on oral health and dental interventions, programs, and services
- Developing and implementing policies and strategies
- Strategic leadership and collaborative work to improve oral health
- Protecting populations from oral health hazards
- Developing and monitoring the quality of dental services
- Providing education in dental public health
- Appropriate decision-making and judgment
- Appropriate attitudes, ethical understanding, and awareness of legal responsibilities
Duration: 2.5 years
Program Curriculum
For more information, please download the Community Oral Health Program Curriculum
