Arizona and MPH (Update)

[ItsGavinC]

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For those interested:

All Arizona graduates will graduate with the DMD degree & a certificate in Public Health. Completing a few more courses will allow students to earn an MPH, rather than only a certificate.

Previously we were on track to complete our MPH coursework through the AT Still University School of Health Management.

Now, our MPH coursework and MPH degree will be earned from the University of North Carolina. This is a HUGE advancement, especially in terms of those interested in pursuing items in the realm of public health.

UNC is one of the top MPH programs in the country. US News ranks them as #2, in a tie with Harvard:

1. Johns Hopkins University (MD) 4.9
2. Harvard University (MA) 4.7
University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill 4.7
4. University of Washington 4.5
5. University of Michigan--Ann Arbor 4.2

I know there is probably a limited interest in this subject matter, but I have met more than a few applicants this year at Arizona who were really interested in the MPH degree. For them, this probably holds more value than it does for others.

I, for one, am VERY excited to be working with UNC in pursuing my Masters. We're having an official announcement of this on Monday, so I'll post then when I know more of the actual details.

 

[sonrisa dentista]

Are the additional courses taken after completing dental school or are they concurrent with the dental school curriculum?

 

[ASU-devil]

I am really intersted in the MPH program and that is great news about UNC. I wanted to know if you get accepted to dental school without a bachelors degree can I still receive a masters without my b.s?

For those interested:

All Arizona graduates will graduate with the DMD degree & a certificate in Public Health. Completing a few more courses will allow students to earn an MPH, rather than only a certificate.

Previously we were on track to complete our MPH coursework through the AT Still University School of Health Management.

Now, our MPH coursework and MPH degree will be earned from the University of North Carolina. This is a HUGE advancement, especially in terms of those interested in pursuing items in the realm of public health.

UNC is one of the top MPH programs in the country. US News ranks them as #2, in a tie with Harvard:

1. Johns Hopkins University (MD) 4.9
2. Harvard University (MA) 4.7
University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill 4.7
4. University of Washington 4.5
5. University of Michigan--Ann Arbor 4.2

I know there is probably a limited interest in this subject matter, but I have met more than a few applicants this year at Arizona who were really interested in the MPH degree. For them, this probably holds more value than it does for others.

I, for one, am VERY excited to be working with UNC in pursuing my Masters. We're having an official announcement of this on Monday, so I'll post then when I know more of the actual details.

 

[aphistis]

Not to nitpick, but is Chapel Hill the campus you'll be working with at ASDOH? UNC has about 1500 campuses around the state, and obviously not all regional campuses are created equal.

 

[J2AZ]

Most large universities have multiple campuses but usually PhD or masters programs are affiliated with the main campus. States do not like to dilute funds by having multiple programs. So, I venture a guess that North Carolina has one public health program and it is at the main campus. There may be options to take classes at satellite locations but it all goes through Chapel Hill.

Never argue with an idiot; people might have trouble telling you apart

 

[jdcinza13]

Gavin,
How is the curriculum set out? Is it something that the curriculum is sent to the instructors at Arizona, or is it done online? In essence, what is the method of delivery? Thanks,

John

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Wow...impressive stuff Gavin....UNC is a big big name in the public health field

 

[Sprgrover]

What was the reason for the switch?

 

[ItsGavinC]

I am really intersted in the MPH program and that is great news about UNC. I wanted to know if you get accepted to dental school without a bachelors degree can I still receive a masters without my b.s?

I don't see why not. The dual degree program is set up so that your matriculation into ASDOH is good enough to gain entrance into the MPH program. At least that's what I believe.

Once again, I'll let you know on Monday after I get official word.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Not to nitpick, but is Chapel Hill the campus you'll be working with at ASDOH? UNC has about 1500 campuses around the state, and obviously not all regional campuses are created equal.

Yes, UNC-Chapel Hill.

 

[ItsGavinC]

What was the reason for the switch?

This hasn't been confirmed as THE reason, but it's my own take: the MPH we were previously working towards, wasn't from accredited by a governing body that the ADA recognized. So, students wishing to fall under the "dental public health" specialty couldn't officially do so, although they would hold an MPH.

With UNC's program, students will have an MPH that is fully recognized by the American Dental Association. That's a huge boon for students wishing to work specifically in dental public health, or those wanting to be dental public health specialists (probably the least well-known of the ADA dental specialties).

That's my take on it.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Gavin,
How is the curriculum set out? Is it something that the curriculum is sent to the instructors at Arizona, or is it done online? In essence, what is the method of delivery? Thanks,

John

That I don't know. Once again, they should be laying everything out for us Monday morning. PM me and I'll tell you, or I'll post it here if there is enough interest.

 

[denty]

thats awesome!

 

[ItsGavinC]

Here's the official word as it stand now. I'll post this in two sections, the first dealing with the certificate in public health, and the second dealing with a Masters degree:

1) Everyone will earn a certificate in public health from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Public Health. This consists of 5 courses (2-3 credits each) and the fee is included in the dental school tuition. Students will take only one course each semester for the final 5 semesters of dental school (the 1st course begins the 2nd semester of 2nd year). All students choosing this option will be in the same course at the same time, thus being able to work with each other. The courses for the certificate are courses in: epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and administration, health behavior and health education, and environmental health.

2) Students wishing to pursue more than a certificate, may apply to the UNC Masters program, and choose from one of two masters degrees. Either a Masters in Public Health, or Masters in Healthcare Administration and Policy. Courses above and beyond the 5 core certificate courses mentioned above would be payed for by the student.

The Masters program is a competitive program and there is no promise that students will be admitted. This isn't much unlike other dual degree programs, where admission to the dental school is made, and then another admission to the other program is made. The one place of leniency in the Masters application is that the GRE/GMAT is not necessary for ASDOH students, and DAT scores are sufficient. Of course, it seems logical that a strong GRE could offset a mediocre or poor DAT score for students interested in pursuing the Masters option.

All ASDOH students are able to matriculate into the certificate program, by virtue of being enrolled at ASDOH. Certainly the certificate program isn't a major ordeal, especially at the rate of 1 course each semester. Students pursuing the Masters will put in much more time, but the degree is still formulated for working professionals. Either way, UNC is an excellent institution and I'm excited about the future!

 

[eric275]

Either a Masters in Public Health, or Masters in Healthcare Administration and Policy.

Please forgive my ignorance if this is a dumb question, but could someone enlighten me on the benefits of attaining either of the above degree's?

It seems that the classes listed would benefit anyone running their own dental buisness but was just wondering if the degree opened other doors or options down the road.

 

[ItsGavinC]

I neglected to mention some important information. First, the certificate of public health is MANDATORY for all dental students. The DMD degree will not be awarded if students have not completed their 5 certificate classes (with passing grades). Those earning an Master's don't have to earn a certificate.

Also, the UNC grades and the Arizona grades are individual from each other and on different transcripts. Upon graduation, there will be UNC reps present to award each of us with our certificates or Masters from UNC, and there will be Arizona officials to award us our DMD degrees.

In this aspect the dual-degree program is original. Several schools offer dual degrees but from the same university institution. This may be the first time that two schools are sanctioning a dual-degree program.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Please forgive my ignorance if this is a dumb question, but could someone enlighten me on the benefits of attaining either of the above degree's?

It seems that the classes listed would benefit anyone running their own dental buisness but was just wondering if the degree opened other doors or options down the road.

Having a masters can be beneficial when applying to specialty programs. I'm not well-versed enough to know the specific benefits of the MPH vs. the MHA. Anybody care to educate me?

 

[jdcinza13]

That sounds awesome!!!

 

[J2AZ]

In addition to the 5 for the cert. how many more courses are needed for the MPH or MHA? Are the courses taken at ASDOH during your 4 years or do you have to go to NC after graduation? How much does a credit hour cost?

 

[kato999]

to get the MPH we would have to take 9 additional classes. these classes can be taken while in dental school or after, however they need to be completed within 5 years of enrollment into UNC.

the 9 courses are all completed distance learning just like the 5 for the certificate. However, we would have to go to chapel hill for a couple days during the begining and end of each semester we are taking the master courses.

I have not figured out the cost of getting the MPH yet. (too lazy)

 

[ItsGavinC]

I have not figured out the cost of getting the MPH yet. (too lazy)

$420 per credit x 40 credits for MPH=$16,800.
$420 per credit x 50 credits for MHA=$21,000.

Minus the 5 certificate courses (14 credits, I believe) included in tuition:

MPH=$10,920
MHA=$15,120

 

[jdcinza13]

We need to go to NC at the beginning and end of each semester? Doesn't sound bad, but what is the time period? Is it a week or less and does it interfere with the semester at ASDOH? Do you need to stay in a hotel? and also, is there a thesis that needs to be written and defended, or anything like that?

 

[calbear14]

That sounds awesome!!!

I agree!

 

[ItsGavinC]

We need to go to NC at the beginning and end of each semester? Doesn't sound bad, but what is the time period? Is it a week or less and does it interfere with the semester at ASDOH? Do you need to stay in a hotel? and also, is there a thesis that needs to be written and defended, or anything like that?

The dates to be at Chapel Hill for 2005 are: April 29-May 6, August 15-22, and December 8-15. Each of those is smack dab in the middle of dental school. I don't know how that will be handled, but I'm sure administration would work with the interested parties.

I'm sure it is up to the student to find accomodations, although that shouldn't be difficult at all.

Students must write a research-based master's paper, or complete a capstone course. All students must pass a written comprehensive examination during the final year of study.

All this info is available at: http://www.sph.unc.edu/hpaa/academic/execmaster.htm

 

[calbear14]

Thanks for all the info.

 

[jdcinza13]

Thanks Gavin!

 

[DrReo]

Is this still going on? How did it work out?

 

[Simiam]

6year old Thread resurrection!

You live by your name DrReo! 🙂

 

[flybry2000]

Thanks Doc for the info. I was wondering if you had anything to say about ATSU's MPH program with dental emphasis. Currently, I am enrolled in that program.

 

[UltimateHombre]

Is this still going on? How did it work out?

Gavin's public profile says that he has a public health certificate from UNC so i would assume that it all went through. But i am not sure if they still have the same contractual agreement.

 

[Jazzyyazzy]

Thanks Doc for the info. I was wondering if you had anything to say about ATSU's MPH program with dental emphasis. Currently, I am enrolled in that program.

Did you end up completing the program?

 

[2TH MVR]

Just curious.
Is the point of this extra degree to
1. improve your chances at a specialty residency?
2. Get a job with public health dentistry and if so .... Does PHD pay better than Corp or is PHD in some ways better than private practice?
3. Another advantage?