The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH) is an advanced qualification designed for experienced dental professionals who wish to specialise in the strategic, preventative, and community-focused aspects of oral healthcare. This programme equips learners with the expertise to plan, implement, and evaluate dental public health initiatives that improve population-wide oral health outcomes.
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates; it is aimed at professionals who already have a solid foundation in dentistry or related fields and want to expand their skills, enhance their career prospects, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will explore key areas such as epidemiology, health promotion strategies, policy development, service delivery models, and the socio-economic factors influencing oral health. Through a combination of advanced theoretical knowledge and applied learning, they will be prepared to take on leadership roles in dental public health programmes, research, and policy-making.
Centres delivering the PgDDPH must ensure they have qualified and experienced staff, suitable facilities, and the necessary learning resources to maintain high-quality training. This includes access to research materials, case studies, public health datasets, and relevant digital tools to support effective learning and assessment.
By completing this Level 7 Diploma, learners will gain the professional insight and practical skills needed to design evidence-based interventions, contribute to national and international oral health strategies, and make a measurable impact on community well-being. This makes it an ideal qualification for those committed to advancing the field of dental public health.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
QC27063-1 | Principles and Concepts of Dental Public Health | 20 | 100 | 200 |
QC27063-2 | Epidemiology and Oral Health Research Methods | 20 | 100 | 200 |
QC27063-3 | Oral Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Strategies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
QC27063-4 | Dental Health Policy, Planning, and Service Delivery | 20 | 100 | 200 |
QC27063-5 | Socio-economic and Behavioural Aspects of Oral Health | 20 | 100 | 200 |
QC27063-6 | Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Practice in Dental Public Health | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH):
To enroll in the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH), following are requirement:
Minimum Age
- Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background
- A recognised undergraduate degree in dentistry, dental hygiene, dental therapy, public health, or a closely related field is required.
- Qualifications should be equivalent to Level 6 on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) or international equivalents.
Professional Experience
- Learners should have relevant post-qualification clinical or public health experience to demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings.
Language Proficiency
- For non-native English speakers, evidence of English language proficiency is required, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent), ensuring the learner can engage with technical and academic content.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Learners must demonstrate a clear commitment to ongoing professional development in the field of dental public health.
Access to Required Resources
- Learners should have access to a reliable computer, internet connection, and any necessary software or tools to support their learning and research.
Centre Requirements
- Centres delivering this qualification must employ suitably qualified and experienced tutors in dental public health.
- Centres must provide adequate learning facilities, up-to-date learning materials, and resources to ensure high-quality training and learner success.
Learning Outcomes of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH):
Principles and Concepts of Dental Public Health
- Understand the scope, objectives, and fundamental principles of dental public health.
- Analyse the relationship between oral health and general health at a population level.
- Evaluate public health models and frameworks relevant to oral healthcare delivery.
Epidemiology and Oral Health Research Methods
- Apply epidemiological principles to assess oral health trends and disease patterns.
- Design and conduct oral health research using quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Interpret and critically evaluate oral health data to inform evidence-based decisions.
Oral Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Strategies
- Develop and implement effective oral health promotion programmes.
- Apply evidence-based preventive measures to reduce oral disease burden.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of oral health interventions.
Dental Health Policy, Planning, and Service Delivery
- Analyse health policies and their impact on dental public health systems.
- Plan and manage oral healthcare services in line with population needs.
- Evaluate service delivery models for efficiency, accessibility, and quality.
Socio-economic and Behavioural Aspects of Oral Health
- Assess how social, economic, and behavioural factors influence oral health outcomes.
- Develop strategies to address health inequalities in dental care.
- Apply behavioural science principles to encourage positive oral health practices.
Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Practice in Dental Public Health
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing dental public health initiatives.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards to public health practice.
- Manage multidisciplinary teams to achieve oral health improvement goals.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH) is designed for experienced dental and healthcare professionals who wish to advance their expertise in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of oral health services at a population level. This qualification is ideal for:
- Dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and oral health practitioners aiming to specialise in dental public health.
- Public health professionals seeking to integrate oral health into broader health initiatives.
- Policy makers and healthcare managers involved in designing and implementing oral health programmes.
- Academics and researchers focusing on epidemiology, oral health promotion, and preventive dentistry.
- Professionals working in governmental, non-governmental, or international health organisations with a focus on oral health.
This programme is not intended for fresh candidates; it is aimed at practitioners with relevant professional experience who want to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio. By completing this qualification, learners will gain advanced competencies to influence policy, lead oral health initiatives, and contribute to reducing inequalities in dental care provision.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH) must meet the following requirements to ensure the delivery of high-quality training and learner success:
- Qualified and Competent Staff – Trainers, assessors, and internal verifiers must hold relevant academic and professional qualifications in dental public health or related fields, alongside proven teaching and assessment experience at an advanced level.
- Appropriate Facilities – Centres must have suitable classrooms, seminar spaces, and access to clinical or simulated environments where practical learning can take place effectively.
- Learning Resources – Centres must provide up-to-date learning materials, access to relevant textbooks, journals, research databases, and digital learning platforms to support advanced study and research activities.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance – Robust assessment systems must be in place, including formative and summative assessments, with internal verification processes to ensure consistency and compliance with qualification standards.
- Access to Specialist Equipment – Where practical components are involved, centres must provide appropriate dental, diagnostic, and public health tools and equipment for demonstration and learner engagement.
- Support Services – Learners must have access to academic guidance, pastoral care, and technical support to ensure successful progression through the qualification.
- Compliance with Regulatory Standards – Centres must adhere to all awarding body requirements, safeguarding measures, health and safety legislation, and data protection regulations.
- Commitment to CPD – Teaching and assessment staff must engage in regular Continuing Professional Development to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills relevant to dental public health and postgraduate education delivery.