Application for a Masters of Science degree in Public Health

I am applying for a Masters of Science degree in Public Health for the academic year 2013/2014. My objective is to gain advanced training in planning, implementing, and evaluating public health intervention programmes. As a licensed dental hygienist, I am a professional member of the health care team who integrates the roles of educator, consumer advocate, clinician, administrator or manager, and researcher to support total health of the public through the promotion of oral health and wellness. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work in the field of public health and my short-term goal is to improve my understanding of public health issues so that I can work more effectively in the public health sector. My long-term goal is to address community health problems in particular oral health problems by combining the principles of dental hygiene and public health. This will enable me to improve oral health education in primary and special education schools as well as to promote the prevention of oral diseases in high-risk populations. In addition, I want to contribute to the field of public health by providing training to individuals who are interested in working in this area. I take great pleasure in pursuing a Masters in Public Health at The University of the West Indies because of the university’s history and excellence in academia especially in the field of research. Additionally, the field placement component impresses me because it will provide opportunities for me to gain relevant practical experience in a healthcare setting.
I completed my bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of Technology, Jamaica in 2013 and enrolled as a dental auxiliary by the Dental Council of Jamaica in January ...

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...their mission. To date the association has treated over 4,000 patients in six parishes. I am presently employed to Gateway Dental in Old Harbour St. Catherine where I conduct patient education along with my clinical duties.
Despite the improvements in oral health care in Jamaica in the last few decades, there is room for improvement. It is estimated that up to 80% of Jamaicans live in a dental shortage area and in some areas, the dentist to patient ratio is 1:100,000. There is a demand for highly qualified people in the field of public health to implement strategies to solve the oral health crisis that Jamaica face. Hence, I firmly believe that with the proper training I can make a significant contribution not only to oral health, but also to other public health issues and it would be an invaluable experience for me to study at this esteemed institution.