The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Dental Public Health (Dip DPH) is a specialised qualification designed for dental professionals and healthcare practitioners who want to advance their expertise in improving oral health at a population level. This diploma is tailored for those who already hold professional qualifications and clinical experience, aiming to deepen their understanding of public health principles, dental epidemiology, policy development, and preventive strategies.
This course is not intended for newly qualified practitioners but for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge base, and fulfil their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. Learners will explore key topics such as oral health promotion, disease prevention, health inequalities, and programme planning, equipping them with the skills to influence oral health policies and community dental services effectively.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Dental Public Health must uphold rigorous standards by employing competent and qualified teaching staff with relevant expertise in dental public health. These centres are also required to provide access to comprehensive learning materials, practical resources, and up-to-date digital tools to support a rich and effective learning experience.
Completing this diploma enables learners to contribute meaningfully to public health initiatives, policy formation, and service improvement, positioning them as leaders in the field of dental public health.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Dental Public Health (Dip DPH)
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Dental Public Health (Dip DPH) consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27048 – 1 | Principles of Dental Public Health | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27048 – 2 | Epidemiology and Research Methods in Oral Health | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27048 – 3 | Oral Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27048 – 4 | Health Inequalities and Access to Dental Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27048 – 5 | Planning and Evaluating Dental Public Health Programmes | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27048- 6 | Professional Practice, Ethics, and Clinical Governance in Dental Public Health | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Dental Public Health (Dip DPH)
To enrol in the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Dental Public Health, learners must meet the following entry criteria to ensure they are well-prepared for the academic and practical demands of the course:
Minimum Age
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background
- Learners should hold a recognised undergraduate degree in dentistry, dental hygiene, dental therapy, public health, or a related healthcare field.
- Equivalent qualifications with relevant professional experience may also be considered.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of one year of professional experience in dentistry, dental public health, or a related healthcare setting is required.
- Practical experience in community health or public health roles is preferred.
Language Proficiency
- Since the course is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following:
- IELTS score of 6.5 or above (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT score of 90 or above
- Evidence of previous education or professional training conducted in English (subject to approval)
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Applicants must show a commitment to ongoing CPD, including participation in relevant professional development activities.
Access to Required Resources
- Learners must have access to:
- Suitable workplace or community settings for applying dental public health principles
- Reliable internet access and necessary technology to participate in online learning and access course materials
- Relevant research and data analysis tools to support coursework and assignments
Learning Outcomes:QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Dental Public Health (Dip DPH)
Principles of Dental Public Health
- Understand the fundamental concepts and scope of dental public health
- Recognise the roles of various organisations in oral health promotion and disease prevention
- Analyse the determinants of oral health at the population level
- Apply public health principles to plan and implement community oral health initiatives
Epidemiology and Research Methods in Oral Health
- Understand key epidemiological concepts and study designs used in oral health research
- Critically evaluate dental public health research and data sources
- Apply appropriate research methods to investigate oral health issues
- Interpret and present epidemiological data effectively
Oral Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Develop strategies for effective oral health promotion targeting diverse populations
- Understand the role of preventive interventions in reducing oral diseases
- Design and implement community-based programmes for disease prevention
- Evaluate the impact of health promotion activities on oral health outcomes
Health Inequalities and Access to Dental Care
- Identify social determinants contributing to oral health inequalities
- Analyse barriers to accessing dental care in different populations
- Develop approaches to improve equity in dental service delivery
- Advocate for policies that address oral health disparities
Planning and Evaluating Dental Public Health Programmes
- Plan comprehensive dental public health programmes using evidence-based approaches
- Develop measurable objectives and outcomes for public health initiatives
- Implement monitoring and evaluation strategies to assess programme effectiveness
- Use evaluation findings to improve service delivery and policy development
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Clinical Governance in Dental Public Health
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards in dental public health practice
- Understand clinical governance frameworks relevant to public health dentistry
- Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional development
- Participate in quality assurance and risk management activities to enhance patient care
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Dental Public Health is designed for dental and healthcare professionals who wish to specialise or advance their knowledge in the field of dental public health. This course is ideal for:
- Qualified dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and other oral healthcare practitioners aiming to develop skills in population oral health management.
- Public health professionals and healthcare workers interested in oral health promotion, disease prevention, and community dental services.
- Practitioners seeking to enhance their career prospects by gaining recognised expertise in dental public health and policy development.
- Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who want to broaden their understanding of health inequalities, epidemiology, and programme evaluation.
- Experienced clinicians and managers looking to lead or contribute to dental public health initiatives and improve oral health outcomes at a community or national level.
This course is not intended for fresh graduates but for those with prior professional experience who are ready to advance their career and impact dental health at a broader scale.
Centre Requirements
- Must be an approved QualCert centre authorised to deliver Level 6 qualifications.
- Employ qualified and experienced tutors with expertise in dental public health or related fields, holding relevant Level 6 or higher qualifications.
- Ensure staff have up-to-date professional registration and relevant practical experience in dental public health.
- Provide access to suitable learning environments, including classrooms and digital platforms for online or blended learning delivery.
- Maintain access to comprehensive learning resources such as textbooks, journals, case studies, and digital content relevant to dental public health.
- Ensure availability of research tools and data sources for epidemiology and programme evaluation studies.
- Implement robust systems for assessment, internal verification, and quality assurance aligned with QualCert requirements.
- Provide learner support services including academic guidance, reasonable adjustments, and access to additional resources.
- Adhere to health, safety, and data protection regulations relevant to educational delivery and clinical observations (if applicable).
- Facilitate continuous professional development opportunities for teaching staff to maintain current knowledge and best practices.
- Participate in external quality assurance activities, including audits and monitoring visits from QualCert.