Dual MPH/DMD Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a unique joint Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program, in collaboration with the School of Public Health (SPH) . The MPH component focuses on Community Health Sciences and is designed to be completed concurrently with the DMD, allowing students to earn both degrees within a five-year period. This program prepares dental graduates to integrate clinical expertise with public health strategies to address population-based oral health challenges. The Master of Public Health degree ensures graduates have a broad understanding of public health, specific competence in Community Health Sciences, and practical skills for public health settings. Accreditation information for the MPH program is not specified in this context.

Delivery Modes

The joint DMD-MPH program is structured for concurrent study over five years. Students typically complete their MPH coursework in the first year of the program, followed by DMD coursework in years 2-5. This structure, along with information from linked resources (e.g., tuition PDF mentioning "Onsite"), suggests an on-campus, full-time delivery format, particularly for the intensive first year of MPH studies.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH in Community Health Sciences, as part of the Professional Enhancement Program (PEP), requires a minimum of 42 semester hours. The DMD curriculum comprises 212 semester hours over four years. In the joint degree, students complete a total of 250 program hours. Integration between the degrees occurs, for example, in DCLE 342: Community Learning Experience in Dentistry II (5 semester hours). During the fifth year, students engage in the MPH Applied Practice Experience and Integrated Learning Experience in Interdisciplinary Public Health Sciences, alongside the DMD Extramural rotation. A detailed Course Listing is available.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the distinct entrance requirements for both the DMD and the MPH programs. Separate applications must be submitted, and admission to both programs is required. Prospective students should indicate their interest in the joint degree program on both applications. For detailed requirements and application procedures, refer to the following links:

• DMD Program: DMD program application deadlines and requirements

• MPH Program (Community Health Sciences): MPH program application deadlines and requirements

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition and fee information for the DMD and MPH components of the joint degree program can be found via the following links:

• DMD Tuition and Fees: UIC Graduate Professional Tuition and Fees

• MPH Tuition and Fees: School of Public Health Tuition and Fees (PDF for Fall 2020/Spring 2021)

Career & Practical Experience

The DMD-MPH program is designed for individuals aspiring to be oral health practitioners and leaders in public health. Graduates will acquire knowledge in community-based oral health program management, care systems evaluations, research and surveillance system design, policy setting, and advocacy. These competencies prepare them for roles in health systems, government agencies, and private sector organizations focused on advancing public health, developing oral health policy, and conducting epidemiological research. The curriculum includes an MPH Applied Practice Experience and an Integrated Learning Experience.