# Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology # Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology Advancing population oral health and health equity through education, research, partnership, and service, with a vision of achieving well-being for all. ![dental care outreach](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_3__1540x1160/public/2025-01/OHPE_thumbnail.jpg?itok=N9PznMkP) ## expand\_more ## Department overview The Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology (OHPE) is committed to improving the oral health of populations and ensuring health equity, with a vision of achieving well-being for all. OHPE integrates research, education, and community engagement to address the most pressing challenges in oral health policy and epidemiology. Through innovative research, interdisciplinary partnerships, and evidence-based approaches, the department fosters leaders who will shape the future of public health dentistry. The department also supports the Harvard Dental Center's patient care programs, advancing population oral health through a blend of academic excellence and community service. ### Associated degree programs Explore our advanced education program designed for training leaders in public health dentistry. [ arrow\_forward Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) - Rural Track ](/aegd-program-rural-track) [ arrow\_forward Dental Public Health ](/dental-public-health) [ arrow\_forward Dental Public Health (DPH) — rural track ](/dental-public-health-program-rural-track) [ arrow\_forward Geriatric Dentistry ](/geriatric-dentistry-archive) [ arrow\_forward General Practice Residency/CHA ](/general-practice-residencycha) [ arrow\_forward General Practice Residency/VA Hospital ](/general-practice-residencyva-hospital) ### Clinical expertise OHPE faculty collaborate with Harvard Dental Center’s patient care programs to implement community-based strategies, ensuring oral health services are equitable and accessible to all. ### Research and innovation The department leads cutting-edge research focused on improving oral health policy, advancing public health initiatives, and promoting health equity. Faculty-led studies address critical topics such as: - Health disparities in oral health outcomes - Population-based approaches to oral disease prevention - Integration of oral health into primary care systems. [**Learn more about this initiative**](https://oralhealth.hsdm.harvard.edu/)**.** RESEARCH ### Global and community health Leading efforts in oral public health locally and globally, the Office of Global and Community Health drives education, outreach, and partnerships to improve health equity and expand opportunities for impact. [Learn about the program east](/global-and-community-health-track) ![Group walking on a path in Costa Roca, backs are to camera.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2024-12/global-health.jpg?itok=cBnLLg1Z) ## OHPE news [### Addressing immigrant oral health: HSDM effort meets growing needs ](/news/addressing-immigrant-oral-health-hsdm-effort-meets-growing-needs) February 02, 2024 On a recent chilly day in January, families lined up at a shelter in Everett, MA to receive oral health screenings, advice, and oral care supplies. The fledgling program is one that has recently gotten off the ground after over a year of planning and... ![Two dentists looking at a patients mouth](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/img_2115_copy.jpg?itok=VE7pZpB5) [### Bridging the dental workforce gap in New Hampshire ](/news/bridging-dental-workforce-gap-new-hampshire) November 15, 2023 New Hampshire’s scenic beauty stretches from the state’s rocky coastline to the majestic White Mountains, however behind its picturesque image is a less idyllic landscape for dental care. Access to care is challenging for rural populations in the Granite... ![nh-cover-photo-sq.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/nh-cover-photo-sq.jpg?itok=oMNz2nnI) [### Taking lessons from the field to heart ](/news/taking-lessons-field-heart) March 23, 2023 When learning is immersive, you need to be a sponge—particularly when the average daily rainfall in your learning environment is measured in buckets rather than inches. Seven Harvard College undergraduates, four Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM)... ![group of students outside](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/educationfocus_coffeefarmgroupphoto_web.jpg?itok=iDaRQriF) ## Department chair [### Catherine Hayes ](/people/catherine-hayes) [catherine\_hayes@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:catherine_hayes@hsdm.harvard.edu)Chair, Department of Oral Health Policy & Epidemiology Associate Professor of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology ![Headshot of Catherine Hayes](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2024-07/Catherine_Hayes.jpg?itok=EBbEG_et) ### Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology department Meet our team. [ arrow\_forward Full-time faculty ](/hsdm-directory?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_peoplebydepartmentpr%3A67791&f%5B1%5D=hwp_c_peoplerole12%3A67716) [ arrow\_forward Part-time faculty ](/hsdm-directory?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_peoplebydepartmentpr%3A67791&f%5B1%5D=hwp_c_peoplerole12%3A67721) [ arrow\_forward Emeritus faculty ](/hsdm-directory?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_peoplebydepartmentpr%3A67791&f%5B1%5D=hwp_c_peoplerole12%3A179401) [ arrow\_forward Staff ](/hsdm-directory?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_peoplebydepartmentpr%3A67791&f%5B1%5D=hwp_c_peoplerole12%3A67726)