Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Dental Public Health MSc
Key information
A dynamic course that challenges you to think critically about oral health at population level. Subjects covered include the philosophy and principles of dental public health; the major health problems of a community (and their determinants); the organisation and delivery of oral health services; research methods, epidemiology and statistics; methods of control and prevention of oral and dental diseases; planning and evaluation for oral health; and social and behavioural sciences as applied to dentistry. Our research themes include the social determinants of oral health inequalities, the burden of oral diseases on individuals and society, and health services research, including dental workforce.
Key benefits
- Practical experience in dental public health by participating in teaching, research, informatics, health promotion and health services activities during placements.
- Strong emphasis on evidence-based prevention of oral disease at population level.
- Developing technical skills in dental public health such as critical appraisal of evidence, designing oral health surveys, planning and evaluating dental programmes, devising research protocols and data management.
- A dissertation format that enables students to submit their work for publication in scientific journals.
- In-house preparation for the Diploma in Dental Public Health examination of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
“I decided to apply for a masters in Dental Public Health to enable me to acquire core knowledge of the subject - both academic and clinical aspects. My professors and lecturers are very dedicated and competent.”
Dental Public Health is especially for people, not just dentists, who intend to become planners, managers of services, epidemiologists, health promoters and teachers of public health dental subjects. The course consists of six taught modules with assignments and/or written examinations, and a research project in dental public health assessed by dissertation. It includes opportunities to work and learn with a multidisciplinary team, practical experience in some dental public health activities, and involvement in high quality research. This course is primarily taught at King’s College London's Denmark Hill Campus. Students also attend cross-disciplinary postgraduate teaching sessions at King’s College London's Guy’s Campus.
Base campuses
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
Guy’s Campus
The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours in a relevant subject plus an interest in dental public health, community dentistry, preventive programmes, health promotion, and/or special needs care.
Evidence of experience of research, report writing or relevant knowledge is desirable.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Completed applications (which will normally consist of an online application form, one reference and a transcript of previous degrees) will be considered on a "first come first served" basis according to the date of completion of the application.
Applications will be initially considered by two academic members of staff. The initial decision will be to either confirm the offer of a place without an interview, invite you for an interview, hold your application for further consideration following the official closing date for applications or reject. It is expected that the majority of applicants offered a place will be required to attend an interview beforehand, although a telephone interview will be offered for overseas candidates.
You should expect to receive this initial decision within three weeks of the date of completion of the application, although this may be slightly longer at peak periods near to the closing date.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Please demonstrate a focused interest in one or more of the following areas: dental public health, community dentistry, preventive programmes, health promotion and/or special needs care. |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
The following table will give you an idea of what a typical year might look like as you progress through your studies:
Lectures, seminars and feedback (hours) | Self-study (hours) |
600 | 1200 |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
This course is primarily taught at King’s College London's Denmark Hill Campus. Students also attend cross-disciplinary postgraduate teaching sessions at King’s College London's Guy’s Campus.
Assessment
- Coursework essays
- Written examinations
Your performance in modules of 30 credits will be assessed through a combination of coursework (essay questions) and unseen written examinations. For modules of 15 credits, one single assessment will normally be used (either essay questions or unseen written examinations), which contributes 100% to your final mark.
The dissertation is assessed as a written research report, including a research protocol and a scientific manuscript ready for submission to a peer-reviewed indexed dental journal.
Extra information
If you are applying from overseas, you must have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment to complete the programme successfully. You can apply without submitting evidence of your English proficiency, but you will be required to provide certificated proof of your competence in English before being offered an unconditional place. Strong candidates may be given a conditional offer, which will be subject to providing an English proficiency certificate within a specific timeframe. Therefore, we advise all candidates to make early arrangements to take an English proficiency test and preferably submit a copy with their application.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 180 credits. You are required to take:
Optional modules
There are no optional modules.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
The MSc in Dental Public Health is especially for people, not just dentists, who intend to become planners, managers of services, epidemiologists, health promoters and teachers of public health dental subjects.
The course aims to produce a highly knowledgeable individual, proficient and skillful in dental public health with an appreciation of the need for lifelong learning and the need for application of advances in relevant knowledge.
UK graduates: consultants in dental public health, directors of community dental services, PhD studies and senior academics in universities. Overseas graduates: directors of community dental services, senior academics in universities which includes setting up departments of dental public health.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: N/A
International:
Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)
Part time: N/A
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
- Computer equipment.
- Internet access.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course material.
- Society membership fees.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs around London and between campuses.
- Binding for dissertations.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Dental Public Health is especially for people, not just dentists, who intend to become planners, managers of services, epidemiologists, health promoters and teachers of public health dental subjects. The course consists of six taught modules with assignments and/or written examinations, and a research project in dental public health assessed by dissertation. It includes opportunities to work and learn with a multidisciplinary team, practical experience in some dental public health activities, and involvement in high quality research. This course is primarily taught at King’s College London's Denmark Hill Campus. Students also attend cross-disciplinary postgraduate teaching sessions at King’s College London's Guy’s Campus.
Base campuses
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
Guy’s Campus
The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours in a relevant subject plus an interest in dental public health, community dentistry, preventive programmes, health promotion, and/or special needs care.
Evidence of experience of research, report writing or relevant knowledge is desirable.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Completed applications (which will normally consist of an online application form, one reference and a transcript of previous degrees) will be considered on a "first come first served" basis according to the date of completion of the application.
Applications will be initially considered by two academic members of staff. The initial decision will be to either confirm the offer of a place without an interview, invite you for an interview, hold your application for further consideration following the official closing date for applications or reject. It is expected that the majority of applicants offered a place will be required to attend an interview beforehand, although a telephone interview will be offered for overseas candidates.
You should expect to receive this initial decision within three weeks of the date of completion of the application, although this may be slightly longer at peak periods near to the closing date.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Please demonstrate a focused interest in one or more of the following areas: dental public health, community dentistry, preventive programmes, health promotion and/or special needs care. |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
The following table will give you an idea of what a typical year might look like as you progress through your studies:
Lectures, seminars and feedback (hours) | Self-study (hours) |
600 | 1200 |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
This course is primarily taught at King’s College London's Denmark Hill Campus. Students also attend cross-disciplinary postgraduate teaching sessions at King’s College London's Guy’s Campus.
Assessment
- Coursework essays
- Written examinations
Your performance in modules of 30 credits will be assessed through a combination of coursework (essay questions) and unseen written examinations. For modules of 15 credits, one single assessment will normally be used (either essay questions or unseen written examinations), which contributes 100% to your final mark.
The dissertation is assessed as a written research report, including a research protocol and a scientific manuscript ready for submission to a peer-reviewed indexed dental journal.
Extra information
If you are applying from overseas, you must have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment to complete the programme successfully. You can apply without submitting evidence of your English proficiency, but you will be required to provide certificated proof of your competence in English before being offered an unconditional place. Strong candidates may be given a conditional offer, which will be subject to providing an English proficiency certificate within a specific timeframe. Therefore, we advise all candidates to make early arrangements to take an English proficiency test and preferably submit a copy with their application.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 180 credits. You are required to take:
Optional modules
There are no optional modules.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
The MSc in Dental Public Health is especially for people, not just dentists, who intend to become planners, managers of services, epidemiologists, health promoters and teachers of public health dental subjects.
The course aims to produce a highly knowledgeable individual, proficient and skillful in dental public health with an appreciation of the need for lifelong learning and the need for application of advances in relevant knowledge.
UK graduates: consultants in dental public health, directors of community dental services, PhD studies and senior academics in universities. Overseas graduates: directors of community dental services, senior academics in universities which includes setting up departments of dental public health.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: N/A
International:
Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)
Part time: N/A
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
- Computer equipment.
- Internet access.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course material.
- Society membership fees.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs around London and between campuses.
- Binding for dissertations.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
Our first application deadline is on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this programme are:
- Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
- Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
After the first application deadline in March:
- if the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until all available places are filled up to the final application deadlines above
- if the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications
Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline, and we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Contact us
Please email the programme team with any further questions you may have, or alternatively, for general questions about King's, get in touch via our Contact Centre.
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