Division of Dental Public Health
The Division of Dental Public Health is dedicated to advancing oral health through education, community engagement, and impactful research.
Welcome to the Division of Dental Public Health
Our mission is to promote oral health across one's lifespan while preparing future leaders in geriatric dentistry and community dentistry.
Students in our DDS program gain meaningful, hands-on experience through initiatives such as the OHIO Project (Oral Health Improvement through Outreach), Dental Health Outreach Mobile Experience (H.O.M.E.) Coach, Head Start Screening programs, and Geriatric and Oncology Dentistry. Our efforts provide real-world opportunities to serve children, families, and older adults with special healthcare needs. The division proudly supports the college's outreach and community education efforts by coordinating faculty involvement, encouraging student participation, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and community partnerships, and ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care.
We also lead innovative clinical and translational research with a strong focus on improving oral health outcomes for children, older adults, and underserved populations. Graduate students are invited to pursue the PhD in Oral Biology program, with an option to concentrate in clinical and translational research. We welcome scholars who are passionate about conducting clinical, community-based, evidence-driven research that advances the field of gerontology and dental public health.
Explore how our division is working to improve oral health by engaging with communities across Ohio and beyond.
Community Engagement
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Commitment to Access Resources and Education (CARE) Program
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The College of Dentistry’s H.O.M.E. (Health Outreach Mobile Experience) Coach is a pediatric mobile dental clinic that travels to Columbus City and central Ohio schools providing great dental care.
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The College of Dentistry addresses the statewide need for access to care through the OHIO (Oral Health Improvement through Outreach) Project.
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If you are interested in partnering with the Ohio State College of Dentistry, please complete the Community Outreach Service/Partnership Request form.
Programs
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We offer a PhD in oral biology, as well as combined programs with biomedical sciences, neuroscience and biomedical engineering.
