UNMC launches dual DDS/MPH Degree Program to Tackle Community Oral Health
Table of Contents
- UNMC launches dual DDS/MPH Degree Program to Tackle Community Oral Health
- Addressing a Growing Need for Integrated Healthcare
- Serving Underserved Communities: A Core Mission
- Efficient and Affordable Education: A Streamlined Approach
- A Collaborative Effort Years in the Making
- Broadening Career Pathways for Dental Professionals
- Flexible Online Learning: Adapting to Student Needs
- A Priority Initiative for UNMC Leadership
- A Natural Synergy Between oral and Overall Health
- Revolutionizing dental Care: A Dual DDS/MPH Degree Programme Promises Healthier Communities
the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is pioneering a new approach to dental education with its dual Doctor of Dental Surgery/master of Public Health (DDS/MPH) degree program. Starting in the summer of 2026, the program, a collaboration between the UNMC colleges of Dentistry and Public Health, will welcome its first cohort of DDS students into the MPH program. This initiative addresses the growing recognition of the profound impact of oral health on overall community well-being, aiming to bridge the gap between dental care and public health.
Addressing a Growing Need for Integrated Healthcare
The dual degree program at UNMC is meticulously designed to equip future dentists with the essential skills to seamlessly integrate public health principles into their daily practices.This innovative approach acknowledges the critical interconnectedness of oral and systemic health,ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to tackle complex health challenges at both the individual and community levels.The program aims to create a new generation of dental professionals who understand and can address the broader public health implications of oral health.
Nicole Kolm-Valdivia, PhD, assistant dean for academic affairs at the UNMC college of Public Health, emphasized the critical importance of this integration, stating, This degree will ensure that the next generation of dentists have the skills they need to integrate public health concepts into their own practices.
Serving Underserved Communities: A Core Mission
UNMC has a long-standing tradition of its dental graduates dedicating their services to rural and underserved areas. The new dual degree program is strategically aligned with this core mission, providing students with the thorough knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively address the unique and frequently enough complex oral health challenges faced by these communities.By focusing on these areas, UNMC aims to improve access to quality dental care for populations that often lack adequate resources.
Yun Saksena, DMD, associate dean for education at the UNMC College of Dentistry, highlighted the program’s direct relevance to UNMC’s mission: The new degree makes sense for UNMC as many of the college’s dental graduates go on to practice in underserved rural areas.In fact, the school has traditionally been among the top in the country for graduates practicing in rural areas.
Efficient and Affordable Education: A Streamlined Approach
The DDS/MPH program is carefully structured to allow dental students to earn their MPH degree more affordably and efficiently than pursuing the degrees separately. By strategically timing the public health courses and leveraging dual credit opportunities, students can complete both degrees within a condensed four-year timeframe. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also substantially reduces the overall cost of education, making it more accessible to a wider range of students.
Dr. Kolm-Valdivia explained the integrated approach in detail: They’re learning about public health then, understanding how to assess and manage public health in those settings. They begin to understand population health science and how it applies, understand how to approve the effectiveness of public health opportunities. Becuase this is a dual degree, the dental courses and clinical rotations provide a more efficient way to complete those public health credits.
A Collaborative Effort Years in the Making
The development and advancement of the dual DDS/MPH degree program has been a collaborative effort between the UNMC Colleges of Dentistry and Public Health as 2019. This partnership was driven by consistent student demand and a shared vision for significantly advancing oral health outcomes across nebraska and beyond. The collaboration ensures that the program meets the needs of both dental and public health professionals.
Dr. Saksena noted the widespread enthusiasm surrounding the program: It’ll be exciting. The need is great, and this can make a tremendous difference.
Broadening Career Pathways for Dental Professionals
While the dual degree may be particularly beneficial for those pursuing specialized fields such as pediatric dentistry, its inherent value extends to all dentists, including those in private practice. The program equips graduates with foundational public health skills that can be readily applied in a diverse range of professional settings, enhancing their ability to serve their patients and communities effectively.
Dr. Kolm-Valdivia emphasized the broader impact of the program: Students will have foundational public health skills.having that knowledge gives them an understanding of what’s preventing peopel in their community from receiving regular oral health care.
She added that it positions students to advocate for policy changes or community strategies that would improve oral health at the population level rather than only individual patient care.
Flexible Online Learning: Adapting to Student Needs
To accommodate the demanding schedules and rigorous requirements of dental students, the MPH classes will be offered primarily online, providing maximum adaptability and accessibility.The curriculum also strategically incorporates dual credit for DDS courses that cover similar material, effectively reducing the overall credit hour requirement for the MPH degree, making the program more manageable for students.
A Priority Initiative for UNMC Leadership
Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, dean of the UNMC college of Dentistry, identified the dual degree program as a key priority upon assuming his leadership role in the fall of 2023. His commitment to the program underscores its importance to the university’s strategic goals and its dedication to advancing dental education.
When I applied for my position at UNMC, one of the key initiatives I discussed during my interview was the need for a DDS/MPH program,
Dr. Kugel said. We made it a priority to move it forward. I’m thrilled to see this vision realized,as the dual degree will equip our dental students with critical public health skills that will enhance patient care and improve oral health outcomes at the community level.
A Natural Synergy Between oral and Overall Health
Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH, dean of the UNMC College of Public Health, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the inherent and frequently enough overlooked connection between oral health and overall well-being. His support for the program highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex health challenges.
A joint DDS/MPH degree is a natural, as oral health is essential for overall health and quality of life,
Dr. Khan said.
Revolutionizing dental Care: A Dual DDS/MPH Degree Programme Promises Healthier Communities
Did you know that addressing oral health is crucial not just for individual well-being but also for strengthening entire communities? This groundbreaking approach to dental education is changing the game.
Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in public health and dental education, welcome to World-Today-News.com. UNMC’s new dual DDS/MPH degree program is generating significant buzz. Can you explain its significance in transforming dental care and public health?
dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. the UNMC DDS/MPH program represents a monumental shift in how we approach oral health. For too long, dentistry has operated in relative isolation from the broader public health landscape. This innovative dual degree program directly addresses that disconnect by integrating public health principles into dental education from the outset. graduates will not only possess the clinical skills to provide remarkable patient care but also the epidemiological understanding and community health strategies necessary to tackle oral health disparities. This is crucial as oral health is inextricably linked to overall health and well-being, influencing everything from cardiovascular health to diabetes management.
Interviewer: the program emphasizes serving underserved communities. How does this dual degree better equip dentists to address the unique challenges in these areas?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. Many rural and underserved communities face significant barriers to accessing quality dental care, including limited resources, geographical isolation, and socioeconomic factors.the dual DDS/MPH degree directly tackles these issues by equipping dentists with the tools to:
Conduct needs assessments: identifying the specific oral health needs of a community.
Develop and implement targeted interventions: creating and delivering programs tailored to address local challenges.
Advocate for policy changes: influencing policy at local and state levels to increase access to care.
Build community partnerships: collaborating with stakeholders like schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Graduates will be prepared to navigate the complexities of these settings, using their public health knowledge to bridge the gap between expert-level dental care and community resources. This is a truly transformative aspect of this program. Moreover, it addresses the core mission of many dental schools, which is training dentists who serve rural and underserved communities.
Interviewer: The program is designed for efficiency and affordability. How does the integrated curriculum facilitate a shorter learning period and lower cost?
Dr. Sharma: The UNMC program cleverly integrates the MPH curriculum with the DDS program. By strategically incorporating dual-credit opportunities, students are able to significantly reduce the overall time and cost, streamlining their path to becoming fully equipped dental professionals adept at public health solutions. This creates an ideal pathway to becoming a multifaceted practitioner. The financial accessibility of the combined curriculum makes advanced education attainable to a wider range of prospective dental professionals, broadening the pipeline for individuals dedicated to addressing oral health disparities.
Interviewer: What are some of the longer-term benefits of this integrated approach to dental education, beyond just individual dentists’ skillsets?
Dr. Sharma: The long-term impact of this program is profound. We’re talking about:
Improved oral health outcomes: Better prevention and treatment, leading to healthier populations.
Reduced healthcare costs: Preventing oral health problems can prevent more systemic implications.
Enhanced health equity: Reaching underserved communities with quality care means healthier communities.
Stronger public health infrastructure: Graduates will be equipped to lead public health initiatives and advancements.
This program sets a precedent. We could see other universities adopt similar models as this program attracts more future dentistry students.
Interviewer: This sounds like a game-changer. What specific advice would you give to aspiring dentists considering this unique educational pathway?
Dr. Sharma: If you are passionate about oral health and are eager to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities, this program is a perfect fit for you. The dual DDS/MPH is a powerful combination, preparing you to not only excel in clinical practice but also to lead and champion impactful public health initiatives that improve access to care and promote overall well-being. The program’s focus on affordability and its design for a condensed timeline are also noteworthy benefits to consider. Don’t hesitate to explore this prospect.
Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your expertise. This is certainly an exciting development for the future of dental health and public well-being.
Closing statement: The UNMC DDS/MPH program is poised to revolutionize oral health and preventative care, setting a new standard in dental education. Let’s discuss in the comments below – what impact will this have on your community? Share your thoughts on social media using #UNMCDDSMPH!