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Developing a Career in Dental Public Health
Self-Assessment

Course Author(s): Bonnie G. Branson, RDH, PhD

Self-Assessment

  1. After accessing the Dental Public Health flow chart in Appendix A, I have decided that I would like a position in dental public health that:

    1. Includes clinical care
    2. Does not include clinical care
    3. Combination of both
  2. After accessing the Dental Public Health Career Search flow chart in Appendix A, I have decided: (check all that apply)

    1. I am willing to relocate to find a position in dental public health
    2. I have money to invest to start a business or a project
    3. I do not mind commuting outside my area to access a public health position
    4. I have the physical ability to work with patients in non-traditional settings
    5. I definitely want to work with a specific population
    6. None of the above
  3. After reviewing my state’s dental practice act, I have found: (check all that apply)

    1. There is a way that a dental hygienist can practice outside the walls of a dental office in public health settings
    2. I could not provide care outside the walls of the traditional practice, but I am not discouraged from considering other opportunities for non-clinical practice in dental public health
    3. I am not clear on what a dental hygienist can do in my state in dental public health and need to consult with someone who could provide better clarification of my state’s dental practice act
    4. I have accessed the state’s legislative information on the ADHA website and will continue to watch this for changes
  4. After reviewing Appendix B, American Network of Oral Health Coalitions, I have found the following: (check all that apply)

    1. My state has an oral health coalition and I am interested in joining it
    2. My state does not have an oral health coalition
    3. I have found other local or county coalitions for oral health
    4. There is an annual state oral health coalition meeting that I could attend
  5. After an internet search, I have found out the following about my state’s oral health department/program: (check all that apply)

    1. The location of the office/offices
    2. The names of staff in the department/program
    3. Projects that this department is undertaking
    4. A link for job opportunities
  6. After an internet search, I discovered the following about my county’s health department: (check all that apply)

    1. The location of the office
    2. The name of the director of the county health department
    3. Projects that the county health department undertakes that involve oral health
    4. A link for job opportunities
  7. After an internet search, I found out the following: (check all that apply)

    1. The name of the legislative chairperson for the state’s dental hygienists’ association
    2. Volunteer opportunities supported by the state or local dental hygienists’ association
    3. The name of the school nurses in my local community
    4. Activities supported by the schools that would lend themselves to oral health promotion
  8. I have considered participating in a dental mission experience.

    1. True
    2. False
  9. After accessing Appendix D, Volunteer Mission Opportunities and looking at the list of sites that offer dental mission experiences:

    1. I intend to contact one of these agencies to find out more information
    2. I am not interested in any of these location finding services
    3. I am not interested in these services, but I will still be pursuing a mission experience through other sources, i.e. church groups, foundation etc.
    4. I am not interested in being involved in mission experiences
  10. I have reviewed my resume and find that:

    1. I can find a public health position without an advanced degree or certificate
    2. I am considering a certificate program to gain more credentials
    3. I am considering a degree program to gain more credentials
    4. I am unsure
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