Book

Dental Public Health: Principles and Practice of Community Oral Health and Preventive Dental Care presents a comprehensive and practical overview of dentistry as a modern healthcare profession extending well beyond the dental chair. The book brings together the principles of public health, epidemiology, preventive dentistry, research methodology, biostatistics, professional ethics, jurisprudence, practice management, healthcare delivery and dental regulation within an integrated framework. Beginning with the foundations, history, scope and objectives of dentistry, the book traces the transformation of the profession from traditional, predominantly curative practice to a contemporary approach centered on prevention, population health, evidence-based practice, technology and patient-centered care. Particular attention is given to dental public health, including epidemiology of major oral diseases, community surveys, dental indices, school dental health programmes, healthcare delivery systems, oral-health financing and preventive strategies. The research-oriented sections introduce students to research design, ethical considerations, sampling, bias, data collection, statistical methods and interpretation, helping readers understand how reliable evidence is generated and applied in dental practice. The book also addresses the practical realities of establishing and managing a dental practice, covering site selection, clinic layout, equipment, infection control, records, accounts, audit, quality assurance and patient rights. An important feature of the book is its emphasis on the changing professional and regulatory environment. It examines dental ethics and jurisprudence and explains the transition from the Dental Council of India framework to the National Dental Commission framework, thereby connecting traditional foundations with contemporary professional regulation. Designed primarily for undergraduate BDS students, particularly those approaching the final stages of their programme, the book will also be useful to postgraduate students, dental educators, researchers and practicing dentists.