How to Be Public Health Dentist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 28, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise in sugar consumption among children is having a significant impact on their dental health. Public health dentists are seeing an increase in cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease due to the high intake of sugary drinks and snacks. Without proper preventive and restorative care, these conditions can lead to more serious health complications such as infection and tooth loss.

Public health dentists are working to educate families on the importance of proper nutrition and oral hygiene to reduce the risk of these dental problems. They are also advocating for better access to dental care to ensure that children receive the preventive and restorative treatments they need.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree program. This is a four-year program offered at accredited dental schools.
Obtain a state dental license. All states require dentists to be licensed. Requirements vary by state, but usually include passing written and clinical examinations.
Gain experience in the field of public health dentistry. This can include working in community dental clinics, volunteering at health fairs or providing dental care in underserved areas.
Consider completing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. This is not a requirement, but it may provide additional training and knowledge that can help you become a successful public health dentist.
Seek out professional certification. The American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH) offers certification to qualified dentists who demonstrate knowledge in public health dentistry. The requirements to obtain this certification include completion of an accredited residency program and passing a written examination.

The demand for public health dentists is increasing as the population grows, due to the rapidly aging population and the prevalence of chronic conditions among adults and children. As a result, more qualified and experienced public health dentists are needed to provide oral health care to a larger population. To become an ideal and qualified public health dentist, one must have an accredited degree in dental medicine, possess excellent clinical skills, have experience working with diverse populations, and demonstrate a commitment to public health initiatives.

strong communication skills, knowledge of public health policies and regulations, and familiarity with community resources are essential for success in this field. With the right qualifications and dedication to service, public health dentists can positively impact the lives of individuals and entire communities.

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Job Description

Develop and implement population-based public health dentistry programs.
Design and implement oral health promotion and disease prevention programs for communities.
Provide dental health education to the public, health care providers and community organizations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of public health dentistry programs.
Develop and implement evaluation tools to measure disease prevention and health promotion outcomes.
Monitor oral health trends in order to identify and address public health problems.
Collaborate with other professionals to ensure that oral health services are accessible to all populations.
Advocate for increased access to quality dental care in underserved areas.
Conduct research related to public health dentistry.
Develop and implement policies related to the delivery of public health dentistry services.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of oral health promotion.
Knowledge of community dental health programs.
Knowledge of public health issues related to oral health.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare providers.
Ability to assess and diagnose oral health problems.
Ability to develop and implement preventive strategies.
Knowledge of dental health education materials and resources.
Knowledge of current trends in public health dentistry.
Ability to participate in interdisciplinary teams.
Understanding of ethical principles for health professionals.
Ability to provide patient education on preventive oral care and nutrition.
Knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics.
Ability to research and evaluate public health programs and services.
Understanding of public health policies and regulations.

Public health dentists play an important role in promoting good oral health and preventing dental diseases. They are highly skilled professionals who are responsible for promoting and maintaining oral health through educational activities, preventive care, and early detection of dental diseases. One of the most important skills a public health dentist must possess is the ability to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and the public.

This requires the use of both verbal and nonverbal communication techniques to explain dental health topics, educate patients on proper oral hygiene, and discuss treatment options. public health dentists must have excellent organizational skills to ensure that they keep track of patient records, maintain accurate billing information, and develop effective strategies for addressing dental health issues in their community. Finally, public health dentists must have a strong knowledge of dental research to be able to develop preventative programs, detect and treat diseases, and advocate for improved access to oral health services.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in public health dentistry?
How would you approach educating patients on oral health topics?
How would you prioritize the dental needs of underserved populations?
What strategies would you employ to increase access to dental care?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients about their dental health?
Describe a time when you had to adjust your treatment plan for a patient based on their financial or insurance situation.
What experience do you have working with different cultural backgrounds and populations?
How do you stay up to date on the latest developments in public health dentistry?
How would you handle a situation where a patient refuses treatment or doesnt follow through with recommended care?
What strategies do you use to ensure patient compliance with treatment plans?

Common Tools in Industry

Community Oral Health Assessment Tool. This tool helps public health dentists assess the oral health needs of a community. (eg: Collecting data on the prevalence of cavities and gingivitis in a local school district).
Dental Sealant Program. This program helps public health dentists provide dental sealants to children in underserved communities. (eg: Developing a program to provide free sealants to children in a low-income neighborhood).
Fluoride Varnish Application. This technique helps public health dentists apply fluoride varnishes to the teeth of patients to prevent cavities. (eg: Applying fluoride varnishes to the teeth of children during community health fairs).
Oral Health Education. This tool helps public health dentists educate patients about oral hygiene and preventive measures. (eg: Creating pamphlets with information on brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups).
Dental Chairside Assessments. This tool helps public health dentists assess a patients oral health during an appointment. (eg: Examining a patients teeth and gums for signs of cavities, decay, or other dental issues).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Association
American Association of Public Health Dentistry
Academy of General Dentistry
American Academy of Pediatric Dentists
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
American Association for Dental Research
Oral Health America
World Health Organization
International Association for Dental Research
Academy of Public Health Dentistry

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Common Important Terms

Fluoride. A mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel, reducing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Oral Hygiene. A practice of maintaining the health of the mouth and teeth by brushing, flossing and regular dental visits.
Dental Sealants. A thin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to protect them from decay.
Dental Plaque. A sticky film that forms on teeth from bacteria, food debris and saliva.
Periodontal Disease. An infection of the gums that can cause gum recession, bone loss and even tooth loss.
Caries. Decay of the tooth structure caused by bacteria in the mouth.
X-Rays. Imaging technique used to diagnose dental problems such as cavities or impacted teeth.
Public Health. The practice of protecting and promoting health in a population.
Oral Health Education. Programs designed to educate individuals on how to maintain good oral health through proper brushing, flossing and diet.
Community Outreach. Programs designed to reach out to underserved communities to provide dental care and education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Public Health Dentist?

A Public Health Dentist is a dental professional who focuses on preventing and treating oral health issues in a community setting. They work to improve access to dental care and promote good dental hygiene through educational programs and outreach initiatives.

What types of services do Public Health Dentists provide?

Public Health Dentists provide a variety of services to help improve oral health in their community such as preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, oral health education, screening and referral services, and access to care programs.

What are the benefits of having a Public Health Dentist?

A Public Health Dentist can help reduce the prevalence of oral health issues in a community by providing preventive dentistry services and educating the public on proper oral hygiene. They can also increase access to care by providing referral services and access to care programs.

How many Public Health Dentists are there in the US?

According to the American Dental Association, there are approximately 4,000 Public Health Dentists in the United States.

What qualifications do you need to become a Public Health Dentist?

To become a Public Health Dentist, you must first complete an accredited dental school program and obtain a DDS or DMD degree. You must also obtain a license to practice dentistry in the state you wish to practice in. After that, you must complete a residency program in public health dentistry or a related field and pass the American Board of Dental Public Health certification exam.