The goal of the department of Public Health Dentistry is to improve the oral health of populations. The department will develop competencies to:

• Conduct research in dental public health with emphasis on disease surveillance, health services research, program evaluation, causes of oral diseases, and systemic/oral health interactions.
• Improve access to dental care for underserved populations and the quality of care for all populations.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate community oral health programs.
• Increase the use of preventive dentistry and interdisciplinary models in dental care delivery systems.
• Excel in research, academic, and administrative careers in Dental Public Health.
• Inform other dental providers and students about the practice of delivering and planning for oral health care for communities.