Division of Population Oral Health

About the DPOH

The Division of Population Oral Health (DPOH) is administratively located within the Department of Stomatology in the College of Dental Medicine at MUSC. There is a combined experience of public health, health services, translational, and clinical scientists dedicated to improving oral health for underserved populations through its four responsibilities.

Since its inception at MUSC in 2014, the DPOH has been awarded over $7 million for strengthening the oral health safetynet, advancing evidence-based public policy and interprofessional training, research, and service from federal, philanthropic, and corporate partners. Funding supports a project portfolio that addresses rural oral health disparities. DPOH leadership has been working to address rural oral health equity since 2006. Here is a summary of the community impact by congressional district.

DPOH Responsibilities

• Enhance public health learning experiences for dental students
• Conduct health services and population-health research
• Develop service and outreach programs that improve access to care for vulnerable South Carolinians
• Assist with translation of clinical oral health research for safety net practice

History & Impact

The DPOH, along with the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center at the University of South Carolina, have been working to address rural oral health equity since 2012. Here is a summary of the community impact by congressional district.