Masters in Public Health in India After BDS
Thinking about a Masters in Public Health after BDS? Read the article to discover how an MPH after dentistry can equip you to tackle critical public health challenges.
Your roadmap to success awaits!
Overview of Masters in Public Health After BDS
A masters in public health after BDS is a multidisciplinary graduate program focused on improving health outcomes at the community level.
It equips students with skills related to epidemiology, biostatistics, clinical research, health policy, environmental health, and social determinants of health.
It is a 2-year program in India emphasizing preventive care, health education, and research to address global health challenges.
Public health after BDS prepares students for diverse roles in government agencies, NGOs, healthcare consulting, and research institutes.
Key Focus Areas in MPH
Key focus areas in MPH include:
Admission Requirements for Masters in Public Health After BDS
Common eligibility requirements are:
- 1-2 years of prior work experience
- Clearing entrance exams like CUET PG or university examination
- Bachelor’s degree in MBBS, AYUSH, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, BHMS, BPT, BOT, B.Sc. (Nursing), BVSc, or a professional degree in related subjects/fields.
The admission criteria vary according to the university. Complete, authentic information can be obtained from the respective universities.
Top Colleges for MPH in India
Top government colleges for MPH in India and private institutes are mentioned below.
| Government Colleges | Private Colleges |
|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry | Christan Medical College, Vellore |
| AIIMS, Raipur & Jodhpur | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research |
| Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research | IIHMR University |
| Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar | Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences |
MPH Course Fees in India and Entrance Tests Required
Curriculum During MPH Degree
The MPH curriculum is divided into 4 semesters (2 years). It combines theoretical knowledge, practical application, and research-based learning.
The course is divided into 15 core modules and elective modules offered by universities, depending on their capacity.
Apart from this, it also includes 2 or more months of internship and dissertation.
Source: (9)
MPH Degree Programs Offered Across Various Universities in India
Core modules are compulsory for all & include:
Additionally, elective streams are offered in various fields, depending on the university.
These are as follows:
- Epidemiology
- Health system management
- Demography and Population Sciences
- Health Programme, Policy and Planning
- Global Health Security and International Policies
- Advanced Health Informatics
- Advanced Health Promotions
- Human Resources for Health etc.
- Advanced Health Economics and Financing
- Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Adolescent Health
- Advanced Environmental and Occupational Health
Duration of MPH After BDS
MPH is a 2-year program divided into 4 semesters, including 2 months of internship.
Best Specialization in MPH for Dental Students
“Best” specialization for masters in public health after BDS completely depends completely on your career goals and preferences. But some popular options include:
- Epidemiology
- A scientific study determines a disease’s presence or absence in a population.
- An epidemiological study helps understand the pattern of the disease, how many people have the disorder, and how it affects the population. (12)
- Environmental Health
- The branch of public health deals with drafting strategies regarding how to protect the population from health and safety threats caused by the environment.
- People specializing in environmental health cover public health concepts dealing with water and air pollution, food sanitation, vector control, toxicology, solid and hazardous waste management, and risk assessment.
- Health Policy and Management
- This helps students design & manage public health programs at all levels, access policy effects on the population, and advocate for health-promoting policies.
- Also focuses on urban settings, collaborating across various sectors, and exploring financial aspects of health policies.
- Community Health and Health Promotion
- Similar to public health, the only difference is community health and health promotion study the community to evaluate health patterns in a specific group. (13)
- Global Health
- Specialization that addresses health issues across the border. Focuses on the social, economic, and political determinants of health.
- Hands-on experience with local or international agencies focusing on global health activities.
- Biostatistics
- Branch of public health that applies statistical methods to research and evaluate public health.
- Maternal and Child Health
- This field provides care and studies and focuses on improving the health of women of age groups ranging from 18 to 49 years, as well as children and adolescents.
Source: 14
Jobs After Masters in Public Health in India
Graduates can work in non-profit organizations, government agencies, private sectors, healthcare facilities, or academic institutions.
Some key career paths:
- Research
- Health Communication
- Health Policy and Management
- Environmental Health
- Community and Global Health
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Nutrition and Health Promotion
Difference Between MPH & MHA
MPH vs MHA
| Aspect | MPH | MHA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Master of Public Health | Master of Health Administration |
| Focus | Population health, disease prevention, and public health policies. | Management and administration of healthcare facilities and systems. |
| Primary Objective | Improving health outcomes at the community or global level. | Ensuring efficient operations and leadership in healthcare organizations. |
| Curriculum | Includes epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental, and community health. | Covers healthcare management, finance, human resources, operations, and healthcare law. |
| Targets | Research, policy-making, and public health initiatives. | Administrative and managerial roles in healthcare settings. |
| Career Roles | Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Policy Analyst, Global Health Consultant, Health Educator. | Healthcare Administrator, Hospital CEO/COO, Practice Manager, Health Systems Analyst, Operations Manager. |
| Work Settings | Public health organizations, NGOs, government health departments, global health agencies, academia. | Hospitals, clinics, healthcare systems, consulting firms, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical organizations. |
| Skillset Required | Analytical skills, problem-solving, communication, and knowledge of population health sciences. | Leadership, organizational management, financial acumen, and understanding of healthcare operations. |
| Program Length | Typically, 1-2 years includes a capstone project or fieldwork. | Usually 1-2 years, often includes internships or practical training in healthcare management. |
| Career Goal | Focus Area: Health policies, conducting research, and improving public health globally or locally. | Focus: Efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery systems and organizations. |
| Work Settings | Public health organizations, NGOs, government health departments, global health agencies, academia. | Hospitals, clinics, healthcare systems, consulting firms, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical organizations. |
| Job Growth | Rising health awareness, global health challenges, and the need for preventive care. | Boosted by the expansion of healthcare infrastructure and increasing demand for skilled administrators. |
| Examples of Programs | MPH in Epidemiology, Global Health, or Community Health. | MHA with a focus on Hospital Management, Health Informatics, or Strategic Leadership. |
Gain in-depth insights into Master’s in Health Administration, including career prospects, curriculum, and more.
Masters in Public Health After BDS: Conclusion
An MPH after BDS equips dental graduates to deal with broader health challenges, design community health programs & policies, & expand their impact beyond individual patient care.