Public Health Leadership
Join the Next DPHLA Cohort!
The Dental Public Health Leadership Academy (DPHLA) is a 12-month virtual fellowship designed to elevate and empower early- to mid-career professionals who desire formal training in leadership principles and want to apply their skills in oral health and public health work. It is AIDPH’s goal to create an experience that provides tangible benefits to both fellows and their affiliated organizations. AIDPH designs educational experiences to build the capacity of professionals and students and equip them for future leadership in the broader health workforce. The network that AIDPH creates through this fellowship and the relationships that continue afterward support future systems change, benefiting participants, organizations, and the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
2026 DPHLA Curriculum and Leadership Development Approach
Designed for oral health professionals to infuse public health leadership into their daily lives, the DPHLA curriculum is designed to be an iterative learning experience that builds on concepts and theories as fellows progress through the program. Fellows build their transformation project in alignment with program content, using monthly seminars and resources to strengthen their final project.
The first stage of the DPHLA curriculum focuses on foundations of leadership and personal capacity building. Fellows complete the Enneagram assessment, a tool for self-reflection and introspection that is referenced throughout the fellowship. During this stage, the foundation for leadership development is laid through self-discovery and personal growth. Seminars focus on building personal skills and capacity for leadership that encourages oral health and dental public health application.
The second stage of the DPHLA curriculum focuses on interpersonal leadership dynamics, extending the concepts beyond personal development and moving into leadership with others. Drawing from skills like multi-directional leadership and conflict resolution, fellows are given the space to challenge themselves in building better relationships in their personal and professional lives.
The final stage of the DPHLA curriculum focuses on leveraging leadership in your community and beyond. In this stage, fellows take a macro-level look at leadership interaction, structures, and dynamics within communities and organizations. Fellows are encouraged to apply a systemic lens to leadership in public health and oral health, reaching personal long-term career goals, and planning for upward mobility in their career path.
Elements of DPHLA
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Dynamic Monthly Seminars that delve deep into leadership and public health themes. Each session is tailored to the cohort’s interests and needs, building progressively on prior learnings to ensure a cohesive educational journey. |
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Flash Mentoring Sessions featuring career-development guidance and insights from seasoned professionals in dental public health. |
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Faculty Expertise by public health practitioners with advanced training (MPH, doctoral-level) to ensure participants gain practical, relevant knowledge that reflects the realities of the public health sector. |
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Transformation Projects provide the opportunity to apply the skills developed through seminars and mentoring in a real-world scenario, designed to support your daily work. |
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Peer Mentorship designed to enhance your learning experience and foster a supportive environment where leaders can grow together. |
Program Details
How much does the program cost?
Program tuition is $2,000 for working professionals not currently enrolled in a full-time education program, and $1,500 for students. AIDPH encourages applicants to seek financial support from their institutions or employers, or from other external sources.
How is the program delivered?
This fellowship is tailored to a virtual environment, with seminars, peer networking, and mentorship occurring in a learning management system. Seminars and calls will be conducted via Zoom and all course materials, participation activities, event details, and cohort engagement will be accessible on the AIDPH Academy..
What should I expect when I complete the fellowship?
DPHLA is designed to support your personal and professional growth. When you complete the fellowship, you’ll receive a certificate acknowledging you are a fellow of the AIDPH Academy. You’ll also have a transformation project ready for implementation. Many of our fellows have used their projects to support grant applications, work initiatives, conference presentations, and capstone projects.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois has graciously provided financial sponsorship for the 2025-2026 cohort of Dental Public Health Leadership Academy Fellows. AIDPH is grateful for their generous support of this program.
