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Afrose
Student
1
Question
Updated
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Hello, I am a dental assistant in the state of Texas and an overseas dentist. I was wondering doing Masters program in public health would benefit my career in long run?
Hello,
I am a dental assistant in the state of Texas and an overseas dentist. I was wondering doing Masters program in public health would benefit my career in long run?
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
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Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Afrose !
Your inquiry can be taken a couple of ways, so I will qualify my advice for you based on what it seems you are asking. It seems as though you've gone to Dental School in your country, worked as a Dentist in your country, moved to the United States, took an American Dental Assistant Program and are employed in the U.S. as a Dental Assistant. You are doing the assistant work because you need an American Dental degree and license to practice dentistry in the U.S. Are you asking if it would be beneficial for you to get a Masters Degree in Public Health because you want to quit dentistry ? Or are you asking because you want to change careers and go into Public Health which is a physical Medical field ?
The way that dentists are involved in public health is different than how medical doctors are involved or people that go into the Public Health field. A dental degree from your country would not qualify you to go into what is normally considered Public Health. You would have to get a different Bachelors Degree, followed by the Masters in public health which would not focus on dental. Or you can have your Bachelors Degree from your country Translated for the American equivalent and then go to Dental School in the U.S.
The way dentists are involved with public health is what you've done as a dentist all along. It would mean for example doing dentistry on underserved populations and teaching people proper dental care. If you were a dentist in your country already, it's possible that you already did that. Public health for Dentistry is one of nine board certified specialties dental students can get in the U.S. So, my own advice is to decide if it's that you want to quit dentistry or continue being a dentist even in the U.S. I would advise, not a public health Masters, rather attend Dental School (four years) in the U.S., get your American certification and License and return to being a dentist. You can get Board Certified to be involved in dental public health during Dental School in the U.S. The Masters in Public Health would not prepare you for Board Certification to do dental public health because you need to be a dentist in the U.S. to be Board Certified for it. Consider going for an American Dental degree, License and board certification for dental public health.
If you ask more questions, please provide information about exactly what you want to do. It is important that you receive the right information that will benefit you. My advice is not to discard your career as a Dentist, rather get the U.S. dental degree so that you can continue to practice your full skill where you live now.
Best wishes in all you do !
Your inquiry can be taken a couple of ways, so I will qualify my advice for you based on what it seems you are asking. It seems as though you've gone to Dental School in your country, worked as a Dentist in your country, moved to the United States, took an American Dental Assistant Program and are employed in the U.S. as a Dental Assistant. You are doing the assistant work because you need an American Dental degree and license to practice dentistry in the U.S. Are you asking if it would be beneficial for you to get a Masters Degree in Public Health because you want to quit dentistry ? Or are you asking because you want to change careers and go into Public Health which is a physical Medical field ?
The way that dentists are involved in public health is different than how medical doctors are involved or people that go into the Public Health field. A dental degree from your country would not qualify you to go into what is normally considered Public Health. You would have to get a different Bachelors Degree, followed by the Masters in public health which would not focus on dental. Or you can have your Bachelors Degree from your country Translated for the American equivalent and then go to Dental School in the U.S.
The way dentists are involved with public health is what you've done as a dentist all along. It would mean for example doing dentistry on underserved populations and teaching people proper dental care. If you were a dentist in your country already, it's possible that you already did that. Public health for Dentistry is one of nine board certified specialties dental students can get in the U.S. So, my own advice is to decide if it's that you want to quit dentistry or continue being a dentist even in the U.S. I would advise, not a public health Masters, rather attend Dental School (four years) in the U.S., get your American certification and License and return to being a dentist. You can get Board Certified to be involved in dental public health during Dental School in the U.S. The Masters in Public Health would not prepare you for Board Certification to do dental public health because you need to be a dentist in the U.S. to be Board Certified for it. Consider going for an American Dental degree, License and board certification for dental public health.
If you ask more questions, please provide information about exactly what you want to do. It is important that you receive the right information that will benefit you. My advice is not to discard your career as a Dentist, rather get the U.S. dental degree so that you can continue to practice your full skill where you live now.
Best wishes in all you do !
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
903
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hello! Pursuing a Master’s in Public Health could be an excellent decision for your career, especially considering your background as both a dental assistant and an overseas dentist. The combination of your clinical experience and the public health knowledge gained through an Master’s in Public Health can open many doors, enabling you to impact public health initiatives on a broader scale. This advanced degree can benefit your career in several ways, particularly if you have a passion for community health, policy, and global health issues.
In the long run, an Master’s in Public Health could provide you with the tools and knowledge to transition into leadership roles, work in healthcare administration, or become involved in health policy, research, or public health education. You would gain expertise in epidemiology, health systems, policy analysis, and health promotion, which could be invaluable in both domestic and international settings. For example, you could use this education to work on dental public health programs, educate communities about oral health, or influence dental policy and advocacy efforts.
Moreover, your combined experience as a dental professional and public health expert could position you well to address oral health disparities on a larger scale. This can be particularly relevant in Texas, where underserved communities may lack access to quality dental care. With an Master’s in Public Health, you could work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or health systems to create programs that improve oral health access, especially for vulnerable populations.
Additionally, if you have aspirations to work internationally, an Master’s in Public Health could provide you with the skills necessary to contribute to global health initiatives, particularly in areas where dental care and public health are intertwined. Many global health organizations look for professionals with expertise in both clinical care and public health to tackle oral health issues in low-resource settings.
Finally, an Master’s in Public Health would not only complement your current qualifications but also significantly enhance your career prospects by expanding your impact on public health initiatives and providing new opportunities for professional growth, whether domestically or globally.
In the long run, an Master’s in Public Health could provide you with the tools and knowledge to transition into leadership roles, work in healthcare administration, or become involved in health policy, research, or public health education. You would gain expertise in epidemiology, health systems, policy analysis, and health promotion, which could be invaluable in both domestic and international settings. For example, you could use this education to work on dental public health programs, educate communities about oral health, or influence dental policy and advocacy efforts.
Moreover, your combined experience as a dental professional and public health expert could position you well to address oral health disparities on a larger scale. This can be particularly relevant in Texas, where underserved communities may lack access to quality dental care. With an Master’s in Public Health, you could work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or health systems to create programs that improve oral health access, especially for vulnerable populations.
Additionally, if you have aspirations to work internationally, an Master’s in Public Health could provide you with the skills necessary to contribute to global health initiatives, particularly in areas where dental care and public health are intertwined. Many global health organizations look for professionals with expertise in both clinical care and public health to tackle oral health issues in low-resource settings.
Finally, an Master’s in Public Health would not only complement your current qualifications but also significantly enhance your career prospects by expanding your impact on public health initiatives and providing new opportunities for professional growth, whether domestically or globally.