Dental Public Health

This is one of several areas which dentists choose to specialise in. Many dentists opt for general practice or work in hospitals but others choose public health where they can help the population as a whole.

The emphasis is on prevention of dental conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease in the UK population. This includes looking for ways to target resources and services to meet the needs of various groups within communities: and devising an oral health plan in conjunction with local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

Dentists in public health work closely with PCT’s, government offices and local health authorities to educate the public about the importance of oral health. They may work within the Department of Health or in academic teaching posts in universities.