The DPOH

WHAT IS THE DPOH?

Division of Population Oral Health

The Division of Population Oral Health (DPOH) is part of the Department of Biomedical & Community Health Sciences in the James B. Edwards 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 safety net, 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 since 2006.

3 PILLARS OF ADVANCING POPULATION ORAL HEALTH

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

Advancing Population Oral Health through Research

The Division of Population Oral Health focuses research and teachings on strengthening the dental safety net in the state of South Carolina. Since its inception at MUSC in 2014, the college’s Division of Population Oral Health has been awarded over $7 million for strengthening the oral health safety net, 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.

Advancing Oral Health in the Carolinas

A partnership between MUSC and The Duke Endowment to advance oral health in both North and South Carolina includes the following deliverables:

1. Supporting TDE in the proliferation of school-based oral health programs that include prevention, treatment completion, and family empowerment

2. Elevation of oral health as a priority for target populations through integrated delivery models

3. A two-state research agenda that advances evidence-based oral health policies in care delivery and public health

Safety Net Dental Certificate Program

Key recommendations from student focus groups suggested that the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine should offer a program that instills business and practice strategies unique to the safety net, medical-dental infrastructure, and public health approaches. As a student-informed learning priority, The Division of Population Oral Health, in partnership with the DentaQuest Institute have developed an 18-credit hour, online, certificate degree in Safety Net Dental Practice (SNDP) which includes experiential learning with our local community partners. With a total of four elective courses, each course is embedded within the SNDP certificate program and designed as an online, asynchronous course.

Learn more about the Safety Net Dental Practice (SNDP) program.

Advancing Population Oral Health through Education

Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) Certificate Program

Learn more about education initiatives.

Advancing the Oral Health Workforce

Learn more about workforce initiatives.

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 since 2012. Here is a summary of the community impact by congressional district.