Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Dental Public Health and Behavioural Science
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Dentistry
Module Code	01 37541
Module Lead	Dr A John Morris
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Full Term
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	Students must have completed and passed all BDS 3 modules
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-23 hours Guided independent study-157 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	Dental Public Health is that branch of dentistry that concerns itself with the planning and provision of dental services and prevention of dental diseases. Students will be learning how dental needs are estimated through scientific studies (epidemiology) and the public health methods that are used to promote good oral health (these include fluoridation of the water supply and promoting good oral health behaviour). They will also learn about how the dental profession is regulated, how dental services relate to population needs, and how the different dental services operate and interact. This will help them understand the role of the profession in relation to factors affecting oral health and the context and environment in which they will be working and will develop their understanding of dental needs, demands and how this relates to service provision. They will apply basic theory to contemporary aspects of dental health and health services. Resilience Statement In line with the Framework for Educational Resilience, we have made changes to ensure this compulsory module is resilient. Lecture delivery will be online and where possible tutorial delivery. The scope of clinical activity is envisaged to be a rapidly changing area, where this activity within the module is not possible or restricted, alternatives including simulation will be considered within the limits specified by the accrediting regulatory body. Assessment load has been reduced and alternative assessment practices are proposed within the module, these are highlighted in the assessment and reassessment sections.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Discuss the social, cultural and environmental factors that determine oral health and illness and the prevalence of major dental conditions amongst key population groups in the UK and globally. (GDC PFP 2015 outcomes 1.1; 1.10.7; 2.1; 2.3; 2.5) Communicate with patients, members of the dental team and other health professionals. (GDC PFP 2015 outcomes 1.1; 3) Explain the working of the elements of the UK dental services and the dental professions, and how they inter-relate. (GDC PFP 2015 outcomes 2.1; 2.3; 2.5) Review contemporary UK government initiatives in relation to developments in the NHS generally and oral health and dental services in particular. (GDC PFP 2015 outcomes 1.10.7; 2.2; 2.5) Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms whereby quality of dental care is monitored and managed. Evaluate the role of health promotion in terms of changing the environment and community and individual behaviours to deliver health gain. (GDC PFP 2015 outcomes 1.1; 1.10.7; 2.1; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4; 2.5) Apply psychological principles of behaviour change and anxiety management (GDC PFP 2015 outcomes 1.1; 1.2.5; 1.7.4)
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment:100% Dental Public Health Report. 2,000 words, requiring students to review a number of journal papers and/ or policy documents in relation to a contemporary dental public health issue, search for additional material, synthesise findings and suggest how health systems might develop to address the issues identified. Resilient Assessment No changes needed as all assessment can be delivered in the standard format, submitted through Canvas. Reassessment: This will be the same as the first sit. In the event of a student failing a second attempt, clinical performance will be reviewed by the heads of specialty and Head of Education. If a student is deemed to be underperforming clinically, a resit of the year may be offered at the exam board. If clinical performance is satisfactory, at the discretion of the exam board, a third and final attempt may be offered.
Other
Reading List