Oral Epidemiology module (DS52010)

​Develop a critical understanding of the principles, philosophy and strategies underpinning Oral Epidemiology

Credits
10
Module code
DS52010
Level
5
Semester
Semester 2
School
School of Dentistry
Discipline
Dentistry

​​Oral epidemiology underpins the evidence base for dental public health. This module introduces you to the principles of oral epidemiology, including the use of oral health indices and the analysis of oral health trends over time. You will develop the skills to plan, execute and interpret oral health surveys and needs assessments. 

​Topics also include governance and ethics in survey design and the evaluation of survey strengths and limitations. 

​Teaching is delivered face to face through lectures, seminars, tutorials and discussion sessions, with input from guest lecturers working in public health practice. Online resources support self-directed learning and assignment preparation. 

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

  • ​Learn how to design an oral health survey, interpret its findings and evaluate its limitations. 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

  • ​Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles, philosophy and strategies underpinning oral epidemiology. 
  • ​Critically understand the determinants of oral diseases and oral health inequalities. 
  • ​Demonstrate critical knowledge of the WHO Oral Health Programme for oral health care system development. 
  • ​Critically understand the principles of oral health needs assessment. 
  • ​Synthesise complex issues in oral epidemiology systematically and creatively to plan, execute and interpret oral health surveys

Assignments / assessments

​​Group project presentation (40%) 

  • ​A group presentation giving you the opportunity to develop team working, communication and problem-solving skills. 

​Summative essay (60%) 

  • ​An individual essay, demonstrating critical understanding of oral epidemiology and the knowledge and skills needed for planning an oral health survey. 

​This module does not have a final exam.​

Teaching methods / timetable

  • ​​Lectures, seminars, tutorials and discussion sessions delivered face to face. 
  • ​Guest lecturers from dental public health and NHS settings. 
  • ​Online resources and self-directed learning to support assignment preparation.​

Courses

This module is available on the following courses: