Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (Oral Health)

1 calendar year
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2004
Commences: 21st October 2004

Programme Description
Established in 1990, the Department of Health Promotion is the only one of its kind in the Republic of Ireland and is the national centre for professional training and education in health promotion. The Department is a founding member of the European Masters in Health Promotion training consortium. Attached to the department is the Centre for Health Promotion Studies which has an active multidisciplinary research programme in place. 

The Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (Oral Health) is a taught programme comprising three modules, two that include workshop participation, distance education and web-based materials for home study and one module consisting of project work.  Participants receive an open learning pack containing text, activities, progress checks and video material plus access to specially designed oral health web based materials. 

Programme aims and objectives
The programme aims to provide students with a professional education and training in the principles and practice of oral health promotion. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in the following:
•	An understanding of the theoretical background to the concepts and principles of health promotion and the application of theory to practice
•	Describe the contributing factors that affect oral health
•	The application of a range of different health promotion approaches and strategies across diverse population groups in relation to oral health

The course seeks to develop among students a professional attitude to practice and a critical appreciation of current issues and dilemmas in oral health promotion.

ECTS weighting
15 ECTS

Programme fee and funding
€1100

Minimum entry requirements
This course is open to those working in a professional capacity in oral health e.g. dental nurses, dental hygienists, dentists and/or those in a position to promote oral health.

Selection criteria
Selection is based on the candidate’s academic record, relevant professional experience and aptitude for the course.

Examination arrangements
The Certificate is assessed by means of continuous assessment with a set assignment for each module.  Participants are also required to submit a final project report. 

Professional experience programme
Due to the nature of the course as part-time distance education, students are expected to draw upon the course learning and apply it to their professional practice.

Career opportunities
The Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (Oral Health) provides a professional qualification in this field and has enabled past graduates to secure dedicated positions as oral health promoters. Participants who successfully complete the Specialist Certificate are eligible to apply for entry onto the Higher Diploma in Health Promotion programme in which case they will be exempt from the optional module ‘Specialism in Health Promotion’.

Programme Content

Module Name	ECTS	Taught in Semester	Examined (month)	
Principles and Practice of Health Promotion	5	1+2		
Specialism in Health Promotion (Oral Health)	5	2		
Project for Specialist Certificate	5	1+2		
Where there is no examination indicated it may be assumed that the examination is by continuous assessment = c/a

Course Secretary
Ms. Mary Bard
Department of Health Promotion
NUI, Galway
Tel: 091 512075
Email: mary.bard@nuigalway.ie

Course Co-ordinator
Dr. Sharon Friel
Department of Health Promotion
NUI, Galway
Tel: 00 353 91 512075
Fax: 00 353 91 750577
Email: sharon.friel@nuigalway.ie