The Department of Public Health Dentistry is committed to delivering preventive oral healthcare services to patients, recognizing the increasing importance of prevention in dental health. Our primary focus lies in devising effective strategies to enhance the dental well-being of the population, particularly in underserved areas lacking basic oral healthcare facilities. To bridge this gap, we actively engage in outreach activities. Moreover, the department plays a pivotal role in training undergraduate students in oral disease prevention and control, as well as promoting oral health through community initiatives. We encourage students to hone their abilities in identifying societal health issues, conducting health surveys, offering health education, and devising strategies to address these concerns. This approach fosters a positive and empathetic outlook among students towards societal health challenges, instilling a sense of responsibility for improving community health. Additionally, we operate a tobacco cessation center to aid individuals in quitting tobacco use, encompassing both smoking and smokeless forms. Our Mobile Dental Van reaches various parts of the East-Godavari district, specifically targeting rural populations, school children, individuals with special healthcare needs, and the elderly. Through this initiative, we provide a range of treatments including oral prophylaxis, restorations, emergency root canal procedures, and extractions. Furthermore, satellite dental clinics have been established in Visranthipuram and Dowaleswaram to address the oral health needs of village populations.

A specialized postgraduate program for dental graduates, the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Public Health Dentistry aims to improve community health. Preventive treatment, community outreach, and the promotion of oral health in diverse communities are the main topics of this course, which focuses on the relationship between dentistry and public health.

Duration and Structure: The Public Health Dentistry MDS program typically lasts three years and includes theoretical and practical components. Regular dental camps and oral health campaigns, lectures, seminars, and practical training are all incorporated into the curriculum. The students are equipped to conduct research, lead public health campaigns, and advocate for changes promoting oral health.

Curriculum Highlights

1. Foundational Knowledge: This specialty covers essential topics like dental epidemiology, biostatistics, research methodology, and health promotion.
2. Public Health Principles: Students gain insight into environmental health, health policy, and the socioeconomic determinants of oral health.
3. Preventive Dentistry: The implementation of oral health programs targeted to certain demographics, community dental care, and preventive methods and treatments are all prioritized.
4. Clinical Practice: Hands-on experience is acquired through clinical practice and community outreach programs. The students are encouraged and guided by the faculty members to provide both preventive and comprehensive dental care to the patients. During regular screening and treatment dental camps, our students engage directly with diverse populations to assess their oral health needs and deliver care.

Research and Innovation: Students are encouraged to participate in research projects that address current challenges in public health dentistry, contributing to evidence-based practice and policy formulation.

1. Applied Basic Sciences
2. Public Health
3. Dental Public Health

Objectives

1. Knowledge Evaluation: To assess the student’s understanding of core concepts in public health dentistry, including epidemiology, biostatistics, oral health promotion, dental public health policy, and health systems management.
2. Clinical Proficiency: To evaluate the student’s ability to apply public health principles in a clinical setting, including conducting community dental health surveys, organizing oral health camps, and providing preventive care.
3. Research and Critical Thinking: To assess the student’s capacity for conducting research, analyzing data, and making evidence-based decisions that contribute to improving oral health at a population level.
4. Professionalism and Communication: To assess the student’s ability to communicate effectively with patients, health professionals, and policymakers, while maintaining ethical standards and professional conduct in public health settings.

Types of Assessments

1. Written Examinations:
   • Theory Papers: These are designed to test the student’s theoretical knowledge in key areas such as epidemiology, dental health promotion, public health policies, and biostatistics.
2. Seminar presentation: Seminar presentations are provide an excellent platform for individuals to share knowledge, engage with peers, and develop crucial communication skills
3. Journal club presentations: The curriculum includes regular journal club presentations. Students are expected to critically appraise various research studies and design basic research protocols.
4. Practical Examinations:
   • Clinical Competency: Students are assessed on their ability to conduct oral health assessments in community settings, perform preventive interventions, and engage in health education activities. This includes skills such as fluoride application, sealant placement, and conducting basic screenings for oral diseases.
   • Community-based Projects: Students are evaluated based on their involvement in community outreach programs, health camps, surveys, and public health education activities. They are required to demonstrate their ability to organize and manage these projects effectively.
5. Oral Examinations:
   • Students are required to present their knowledge and case studies to the faculty members. This includes presenting case historiesand treatment planning
   • The oral exam tests the student’s ability to think critically and communicate their ideas clearly and professionally.
6. Library Dissertations:
   • Library dissertations are done by the students on a wide range of topics. They are submitted to the affiliated university and also preserved the libraries which make it easier for researchers, students, and faculty to access in-depth, specialized information that is often not published in journals or books
7. ThesisDissertations: The students are required to conduct independent research in the specialty public health dentistry. The thesis should address a relevant public health issue, demonstrate research methodologies, and propose solutions based on data analysis.
8. Logbook and Continuous Assessment:
   • Students are required to maintain a logbook of their clinical and community work throughout the program. Continuous assessment is based on their participation in fieldwork, community service, and involvement in departmental activities.
   • Faculty members evaluate students periodically based on their performance,leadership, and communication skills during practical sessions, health camps, and outreach activities.
9. Viva Voce:
   • The viva voce is an oral examination where students defend their clinical cases, research, and projects in front of the faculty panel. This also serves as an opportunity for students to discuss public health challenges and propose feasible solutions for improving community oral health.

• Graduates of the MDS program in Public Health Dentistry can pursue various career paths, including:

  • Public health officer
  • Community health educator
  • Researcher in academic institutions or health organizations
  • Policy advocates for oral health projects
  • Faculty member in dental colleges
  • Medical scriptwriters
  • Health counsellors

• Ultrasonic Scaling
• Restorations – GIC and Composites
• Root Canal Treatments
• Surgical Extractions
• Oral Health Education
• Tobacco Cessation Counseling
• Dietary Counseling
• PIT And Fissure Sealants
• Topical Fluoride Applications
• Comprehensive Treatments