Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (Oral Heath) course applications invited
by Guy Hiscott
The Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (Oral Health) course is aimed at 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.
It has been in existence since 1999, having been initiated by the Dental Health Foundation in response to the Department of Health and Children’s 1994 Dental Health Action Plan.
The 12-month, part-time course aims to provide participants with professional education and training in the principles and practice of oral health promotion.
Over 170 students have successfully completed the course to date, with a number of graduates going on to complete higher training in health promotion.
A formal evaluation of the course found that there have been positive and encouraging comments in relation to the effect that the course has had on graduates’ oral health promotion knowledge and practices. Following the evaluation of the course, the course materials were updated in 2008.
Comments from previous candidates include:
‘The Specialist Certificate gave me a deeper understanding of why and how some practices work and some do not. Most importantly, it taught me that unless the client is empowered, no change will occur.’
‘Taking part in the OH Promotion Course in NUI, Galway, has added new and very positive dimension to my work as a dental nurse.’
‘… very informative to make links between general and oral health.’
‘My work duties have changed immensely as a result of having qualified in Oral Health Promotion. I applied for, and was successful in, being appointed senior nurse in oral health promotion.’
Registration for the course is open until 29 July 2011. Full details on the course, including an application form, can be found at www.nuigalway.ie or www.dentalhealth.ie.
