MPH with Dental Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) online Master of Public Health – Dental Emphasis (MPH-D) degree is described as the first and only program of its kind in the world, offering a seamless integration of dental content within its core MPH curriculum. The program combines the strengths of ATSU's College of Graduate Health Studies (CGHS) and schools of dentistry. It is designed to prepare students, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and others in the dental industry, for advanced positions in dental public health services and administration.

The Master of Public Health – Dental Emphasis program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) . The program was accredited for a five-year term extending to July 1, 2020, and was undergoing re-accreditation as of early 2020. ATSU's Master of Public Health degree (general) has also been recognized, being ranked in the top 20 programs in the United States by TheBestSchools.org.

Delivery Modes

The MPH-D program is delivered 100% online, providing flexibility for working professionals. Students can complete coursework from home, 24 hours a day, and are not required to visit the campus. Online courses utilize various virtual teaching methods, including web-based instruction, video demonstrations, directed readings, scholarly papers, and email and chat room interactions among students and faculty.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the Master of Public Health – Dental Emphasis program comprises 48 credit hours, typically completed over two years. Core course areas include Introduction to Dental Public Health, Fundamentals of Research in Public Health, Public Health Administration, Professionalism and Ethics in Dental Public Health, Epidemiology, Dental Healthcare Policy and Management, Biostatistics, Financing Dental Care, Environmental Health Sciences, Public Health Disparities, Health Equity and Covid-19, and Community-based Programs (Development, Implementation & Evaluation). Elective options include Community Health and Social Media, and Global Health Issues. A significant component of the program is the 6-credit Public Health Practicum, which involves an applied practice experience with a public health organization, culminating in a substantive written document demonstrating synthesis of public health competencies.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the MPH-D program must submit a completed application with a nonrefundable fee. Key requirements include:

• An accredited bachelor's degree from a university recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Applicants with foreign degrees must provide a degree equivalency evaluation.

• Official transcript from the qualifying degree-granting institution.

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from the qualifying degree institution.

• A current resume.

• Completion of an essay.

• Demonstrated English proficiency (e.g., English as first language, degree from a U.S. institution, or acceptable TOEFL scores).

• Meet ATSU's technology requirements.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates with an MPH degree with dental emphasis are prepared for diverse career options in public and private sectors. Potential roles include:

• Dental director in a community health center or for a local/state health department

• Dental hygienist

• Dental manager in a professional dental organization

• Dental personnel in a federal health agency or for an insurance company

• Dental faculty in a dental or dental hygiene school

• Epidemiologist

• Manager in a community-based non-profit

• Public health administrator

• Researcher

The program includes a Public Health Practicum where students develop and execute an applied practice with a public health organization under the guidance of a site preceptor and faculty. This experience requires students to create a minimum of two products demonstrating public health competencies and produce a high-quality written document.