Diploma in Community Oral Health

Course Rationale
Needs assessment / market survey / situation analysis
Diseases conditions that affect oral tissues include; Dental caries, periodontal diseases, cysts and neoplasms. Most of them start painlessly in the initial stages and later progress to more serious and devastating stages and could result to death. Most of the them could be reduced if the public was properly educated on how to effect preventive measures. Training in Oral health was planned with the objective of preparing officers who would promote primary oral health care among the various communities. The officers should be equipped with scientific, social, psychological and socio-economic knowledge. They should be able to educate the public on the use of preventive measures which are based on practically, scientifically and socially acceptable methods which are easily obtained and maintained by the public.Oral health officer should be capable of diagnosing oral diseases and manage emergency cases before referring them for treatment to the relevant specialists.

Why Study the Programme
To increase coverage of promotive and preventive services to the majority of the population. To prevent any increase in dental diseases

Target  Groups
The course is a  member of the primary health care team that delivers integrated health care to individuals and communities.  roles and functions will be primarily to undertake promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative activities within the communities. Thus the reason for Diploma in Community Oral Health Course.

Programme Objectives
By the end of the programme, the learners will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable the learners to:-

(a)    Do a community diagnosis especially of oral health in areas they are working.
(b)    Develop and carry out health education to the community.
(c)    Co-ordinate with the dentist in taking care of the community’s oral health needs.
(d)    Participate in relevant health care programmes in the area they are working.
(e)    Provide curative and rehabilitative dental care.

Entry Requirements

A candidate who wishes to be admitted for Diploma in Community Oral Health must have the minimum entry requirements of the University:

1. An average grade C (plain) or above.
2. Grade C (Plain) or credit in English and Biology or Biological Sciences.
3. C- (minus) or credit in any two of the following: Chemistry, Physics or Physical Sciences, Mathematics or General Sciences.
4. Must have sound vision and hearing and adequate manual and pedal dexterity.

NB: These entry requirements will be reviewed from time to time and candidates notified accordingly.

Exemptions and credit transfers
i)    Evidence supporting the application should include certified academic transcripts, certificates and a letter from the relevant registrar or authority
ii)    Application for credit transfer will not be allowed three (3) weeks after the start of the semester / trimester unless granted permission by the University Senate.
iii)    The University reserves the right to administer an appropriate test, through the relevant Department in order to determine whether exemption should be granted.

Programme duration and fees
The Diploma in Community Oral Health Programme shall take a period of three (3) academic years (6 trimesters).

1.  A  student  will  be  deemed  to  have  passed  a  particular  academic  year  after successful completion of all the units in that year including industrial    attachment where applicable.
2. The period of the industrial Attachment will be parts of the programme duration.   
3. Courses shall be offered in terms of units, one unit being defined as a series of minimum 42 contact lecture hours.
4. Each student will undertake an eight week industrial attachment session after the first academic year. This will be equivalent to one (1) unit.
5. Each student will undertake research project in second year that will be equivalent to two (2) units.

Programme start dates
Every January, May and Sept

Fees

Download the most recent fee structure here

Application form

Applications can be downloded here , you can also submit your application online here