The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH) is an advanced, professionally designed qualification tailored for experienced dental and healthcare practitioners who are committed to enhancing their expertise in the field of dental public health. This programme equips learners with the in-depth knowledge, strategic skills, and evidence-based approaches needed to address oral health challenges at a community and population level.
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates. It is specifically structured for dental professionals, public health specialists, and healthcare leaders who wish to advance their career prospects, strengthen their leadership abilities, and make meaningful contributions to oral health policy, planning, and delivery. Learners will explore a wide range of topics, including oral health promotion, epidemiology, health service management, preventive strategies, and the socio-economic factors influencing dental health outcomes.
Through a combination of advanced theoretical study, practical application, and critical analysis, learners will develop the competence to design, implement, and evaluate dental public health programmes in diverse settings. The course also promotes high standards of ethical practice, evidence-based decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration.
Completing this postgraduate diploma supports the learner’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and demonstrates their commitment to advancing oral health on a wider scale. It also provides a strong foundation for those aspiring to take on senior roles in health policy, academic research, or specialist consultancy within the field of dental public health.
With a focus on professional growth and impact, the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health prepares learners to play a pivotal role in shaping healthier communities and improving oral health equity worldwide.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200694
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200694-1 |
Principles and Scope of Dental Public Health |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-2 |
Epidemiology and Research Methods in Oral Health |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-3 |
Oral Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Strategies |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-4 |
Policy Development and Healthcare Systems in Dentistry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-5 |
Leadership, Ethics, and Professionalism in Dental Public Health |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200694-6 |
Advanced Project in Dental Public Health |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Principles and Scope of Dental Public Health
- Analyse the fundamental concepts, objectives, and functions of dental public health.
- Evaluate the role of public health in improving community oral health outcomes.
- Apply evidence-based approaches to identify and address oral health challenges.
- Demonstrate understanding of the historical evolution and global perspectives of dental public health.
2. Epidemiology and Research Methods in Oral Health
- Interpret and apply epidemiological principles in oral health studies.
- Critically evaluate research methodologies used in dental public health.
- Design and conduct data collection, analysis, and interpretation for oral health research.
- Assess the impact of epidemiological findings on policy and practice.
3. Oral Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Strategies
- Develop and implement effective oral health promotion programmes.
- Evaluate preventive dentistry strategies for different population groups.
- Apply behavioural and educational theories to improve oral health outcomes.
- Assess the effectiveness of disease prevention interventions in community settings.
4. Policy Development and Healthcare Systems in Dentistry
- Analyse the structure and function of healthcare systems related to oral health.
- Evaluate the process of policy formulation, implementation, and assessment.
- Assess the influence of legislation and public health policies on dental services.
- Propose policy recommendations based on evidence and community needs.
5. Leadership, Ethics, and Professionalism in Dental Public Health
- Apply ethical principles in public health decision-making.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing public health programmes.
- Promote interprofessional collaboration within dental and healthcare teams.
- Critically assess professional responsibilities and accountability in dental public health.
6. Advanced Project in Dental Public Health
- Plan, design, and execute an independent research project in dental public health.
- Apply advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to address public health issues.
- Present research findings in a professional and academically rigorous manner.
- Evaluate the implications of project outcomes for public health practice and policy.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH) is specifically designed for experienced dental and healthcare professionals who wish to advance their expertise in the planning, management, and delivery of oral health services at a community and population level. This qualification is not intended for fresh learners; instead, it is aimed at those who already possess a solid foundation in dentistry or public health and are seeking to enhance their strategic, analytical, and leadership capabilities.
It is particularly suitable for:
- Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental therapists aiming to transition into public health roles.
- Public health practitioners specialising in oral health policy, promotion, and programme management.
- Dental educators and researchers seeking to strengthen their knowledge in epidemiology, oral health promotion, and healthcare systems.
- Health service managers and policymakers responsible for designing and implementing community-based oral health strategies.
- Professionals involved in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or international health agencies focusing on oral health improvement.
Learners undertaking this programme will develop the advanced skills required to critically evaluate public health data, influence policy decisions, and design effective oral health promotion initiatives. By completing this postgraduate diploma, professionals can significantly enhance their career prospects, contribute to evidence-based decision-making, and fulfil their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Public Health (PgDDPH) must meet the following requirements to ensure high-quality delivery, learner support, and assessment standards:
- Accreditation and Approval
- The centre must be an approved LICQual training provider, meeting all compliance, quality assurance, and delivery standards.
- Qualified and Experienced Tutors
- Tutors must hold relevant academic and professional qualifications in dentistry, dental public health, or a related discipline, ideally at Level 7 or above.
- Tutors should have proven experience in teaching, mentoring, and assessing at postgraduate level, along with current industry knowledge.
- Assessment and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
- The centre must have qualified assessors and internal quality assurers with experience in postgraduate healthcare education.
- A robust IQA system should be in place to ensure fair, consistent, and valid assessment decisions.
- Learning Resources and Facilities
- Access to up-to-date learning materials, including dental public health research publications, epidemiological data sources, and case studies.
- Suitable classroom or virtual learning platforms equipped with multimedia capabilities for interactive teaching.
- Access to relevant software and online databases to support research and evidence-based practice.
- Learner Support Services
- Provision of academic guidance, study skills support, and career advice.
- Access to library resources (physical or digital) and peer discussion forums.
- Policies and Procedures
- Clear policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion, safeguarding, and health and safety.
- Data protection measures in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- CPD and Industry Engagement
- Commitment to continuous improvement by engaging with dental public health professionals, research bodies, and CPD activities to ensure content remains current and relevant.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
