Need for dentists with formal training in public health: The development of the DMD/MPH program

Many graduate programs in public health offer students the opportunity to enroll in combined degree programs. The most frequent dual degrees offered at member schools of the Association of Schools of Public Health are: MD/MPH, JD/MPH, MSN/MPH, MSW/MPH, and MBA/MPH. Dentistry and public health have traditionally not worked as synergistic disciplines because they are based on different care models. However, a number of different imperatives emphasize the need for this type of combined expertise to address oral health problems and workforce shortages. As a recognized specialty by the American Dental Association, dental public health remains a very small group with less than 200 diplomats credentialed in dental public health. Most advanced degree programs in public health do not offer a specialty in dental public health, and those dental professionals receiving masters or doctoral public health degrees may have had no specific coursework related to dental public health. In response to this need, a new option at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) was initiated to offer a combined DMD/MPH program. We describe the development process, which includes the philosophy guiding the program, initiation of the program, setting goals and objectives, identifying course content, funding, and selecting applicants, as well as first year challenges and successes. The program was successfully funded and participant selection, registration, and enrollment procedures have been developed. Course content and performance standards have been established. The experience at TUSDM can help guide others contemplating a combined dental/MPH program.