A Model for Integrating Public Health and Health Promotion into a Dental School Curricula: Using the Clinical Prevention and Population Health Curriculum Framework

Health reform provisions created a renewed focus on public health within health professions curricula. The HRSA grant program, Pre-Doctoral Training in General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, and Dental Public Health and Dental Hygiene, supports the integration of evidence–based public health principles, health promotion, and expanding access to services for vulnerable groups into dental professional education. The HRSA grant reinforces the core components outlined in the Clinical Prevention and Population Health Curriculum Framework including: (a) Evidence-Based Practice; (b) Clinical Preventive Services and Health Promotion; (c) Health Systems and Health Policy; and (d) Population Health and Community Aspects of Practice. This Framework addresses the educational underpinning in Healthy People 2020 that promotes the integration of prevention and population health into health professions education. The presentation will discuss how the Framework forms the foundation for public health and prevention courses at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. The presentation will describe development of courses that address key topics (e.g., cultural competency, health literacy, risk-based prevention, public health, and community service–learning) and accreditation standards. Also, curricular enhancements and enrichment programs for faculty and students funded by HRSA through the San Antonio Dental Public Health and Diversity Pre-Doctoral Education Program will be shared with the audience. Resources will be discussed so participants can adapt this model curriculum on their campuses and build course content about population health and prevention in their communities. Attendees will be encouraged to discuss their experiences, lessons learned, and challenges. (Supported by HRSA D85HP20041).