Dental Public Health Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era increasingly focused on health and wellness, the role of dental public health specialists has become critical.

As health care evolves, so does the demand for dedicated professionals who can develop, implement, and enhance community-based oral health programs.

So, what exactly is expected of a dental public health specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this position,
• A hiring manager aiming to shape the perfect job profile,
• Or simply curious about the field of dental public health,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive dental public health specialist job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive into it.

Dental Public Health Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Dental Public Health Specialists focus on promoting oral health and preventing oral diseases.

They work at the community level, rather than treating individual patients like a traditional dentist.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning, implementing, and evaluating community-based dental health programs
• Conducting oral health surveys to determine the oral health status of a community
• Identifying dental health needs and issues in a community and developing strategies to address them
• Promoting oral health education and prevention programs
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals, government agencies, and community groups to develop policies and regulations that improve oral health
• Conducting research on oral health issues and disseminating findings to the public and healthcare professionals
• Developing and enforcing standards for oral health services
• Monitoring trends and patterns in oral diseases and identifying risk factors
• Providing guidance on fluoride use and dental sealant programs

 

Dental Public Health Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Dental Public Health Specialist to join our team.

The specialist will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating oral health programs for our community.

The ideal candidate should have a thorough understanding of dental health practices, preventive dental care, and a strong interest in public health education.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate community dental health programs
• Conduct dental health education sessions for various community groups
• Assess community oral health needs and develop appropriate interventions
• Collaborate with other health professionals to provide integrated care
• Participate in oral health research and policy development
• Monitor and ensure compliance with public health regulations and safety standards
• Maintain accurate records and reports of health programs and services
• Stay updated on the latest research and trends in dental public health

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree
• Additional training or certification in Public Health Dentistry is required
• Proven experience in community dental health services
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Proficient in the use of dental health information systems
• Knowledge of current public health issues and regulations

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dental Public Health Specialist
• Work Environment: This role typically works in an office setting but may require occasional travel to community locations for health programs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Public Health Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $90,000 minimum to $170,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dental Public Health Specialist Do?

Dental Public Health Specialists are professionals in the field of dentistry who focus on oral health issues within communities rather than individual patients.

Their aim is to promote oral health and prevent dental diseases.

They work closely with community leaders, health departments, or schools to develop and implement strategies for improving oral health among the population.

This might include launching educational campaigns about the importance of dental hygiene, or advocating for policies that provide access to dental care for underprivileged populations.

A significant part of their job is conducting research to understand the prevalence and causes of dental health issues in different communities.

Based on this research, they propose solutions, such as fluoridation of drinking water or providing sealant programs in schools.

They may also be involved in the training of other dental professionals, presenting on public health topics at conferences, or writing articles for professional publications.

 

Dental Public Health Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Dental Public Health Specialist needs a variety of clinical skills, research skills, and interpersonal abilities to promote oral health and prevent diseases in the community, such as:

• Extensive knowledge in dental health, including the ability to perform dental examinations and interpret dental radiographs.
• Experience in conducting epidemiological studies to determine the oral health status of a community and develop strategies to improve it.
• Strong research skills to understand and stay updated with the latest advancements and treatments in dental public health.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to connect with patients of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures, as well as to effectively communicate oral health information to the public, other health professionals, and policy makers.
• Aptitude for planning, implementing and evaluating community-based dental health programs.
• Knowledge of public health laws and regulations, and the ability to advocate for oral health policies at the local, state, and national levels.
• Leadership skills to lead and manage a team of dental professionals in public health settings.
• Ability to analyze data using statistical software and present findings in a clear and understandable manner.

 

Dental Public Health Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Dental Public Health Specialists often have 1 to 2 years of relevant experience, typically gained during their dental degree internships or residencies, where they receive hands-on training in dental public health.

Early-career professionals usually have around 3 to 5 years of experience in the dental field.

They may have worked in roles such as a General Dentist or Dental Hygienist before specializing in public health.

These roles provide valuable patient care experience and allow them to develop their skills in diagnosing and treating oral health issues.

Dental Public Health Specialists with over 5 years of experience often have extensive knowledge in the field of public health dentistry.

They typically have experience working on public health projects, implementing dental health programs, and conducting research on oral health issues in the community.

Those with over 10 years of experience in the field have often held leadership roles such as Program Director or Dental Department Head and are capable of overseeing large-scale public health initiatives.

They are also expected to have engaged in continual professional development to stay abreast of changes in dental public health policy and practice.

In addition, all Dental Public Health Specialists are expected to hold a valid dental degree and be licensed to practice dentistry.

A Master’s degree in Public Health is often preferred and board certification in Dental Public Health by the American Board of Dental Public Health is highly desirable.

 

Dental Public Health Specialist Education and Training Requirements

A Dental Public Health Specialist, also known as a public health dentist, typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Dental school programs usually span four years and include coursework in topics such as oral anatomy, dental pharmacology, and preventive dentistry.

The latter years of dental school often include supervised clinical practice.

In addition to these qualifications, Dental Public Health Specialists are generally required to obtain a state license to practice dentistry.

The licensure process often involves successfully passing written and practical examinations.

Many Dental Public Health Specialists go on to complete a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) or a similar field, to gain a better understanding of the broader health issues impacting their communities.

They may also pursue a two to three-year residency program in dental public health to gain practical experience and deeper knowledge in this specialized area.

Dental Public Health Specialists are expected to participate in ongoing continuing education programs to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date.

Certification by the American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH) is not mandatory but is highly regarded, as it demonstrates a high level of competence and commitment to the field of public health dentistry.

 

Dental Public Health Specialist Salary Expectations

A Dental Public Health Specialist earns an average salary of $142,000 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, and geographical location.

Additionally, the type of organization that the specialist is working for can also significantly influence the salary.

 

Dental Public Health Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dental Public Health Specialist need?

A Dental Public Health Specialist needs to have excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to assess oral health problems in a community.

They should have good communication skills to interact with individuals of different backgrounds and explain complex health issues in an understandable manner.

They must also have good project management and leadership skills to implement and oversee public health programs effectively.

 

Do Dental Public Health Specialists need a degree?

Yes, Dental Public Health Specialists need a degree.

They are required to have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association.

Additionally, many specialists complete a Master’s in Public Health or a residency in Dental Public Health.

 

What should you look for in a Dental Public Health Specialist resume?

When reviewing a Dental Public Health Specialist’s resume, check for their education and professional certifications first.

They should have a DDS or DMD degree and potentially a Master’s degree in Public Health.

Look for their professional experience in managing public health programs and conducting research on oral health issues.

Any mention of leadership roles, community service, or published work in relevant journals can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Dental Public Health Specialist?

A good Dental Public Health Specialist is one who is committed to improving the oral health of a community.

They should have a deep understanding of social determinants of health and be able to apply this understanding to improve oral health outcomes.

They should be strong leaders, able to motivate and inspire others to work towards a common goal.

Furthermore, they should be great communicators, able to convey complex health issues in simple terms to the public.

 

Is it challenging to hire Dental Public Health Specialists?

Hiring Dental Public Health Specialists can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a unique combination of dental expertise and public health knowledge, which not all dental professionals possess.

Therefore, recruiting for this position may require more time and resources compared to other dental roles.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unravelled the intricacies of what it truly means to be a Dental Public Health Specialist.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about teeth and gums.

It’s about crafting a healthier future, one smile at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Dental Public Health Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Every patient you treat is part of the broader objective.

Let’s create a healthier future. Together.

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