This paper describes the history and current status of schools of public health and graduate level programmes in dental public health in the United States. The broad core curricula for all public health students undertaking a course for a master's degree in public health is outlined, as well as the specialised course offerings available to dental public health students. The advantages and disadvantages of including dental public health programmes in schools of public health, instead of in dental schools, are discussed. There is a need for the integration of activities between dental schools and schools of public health to alleviate the traditional isolation of dentistry and prevent the omission of dentistry in health policy formation. When possible, the inclusion of the dental public health programmes in schools of public health is recommended so that public health and dental public health students can learn about each other's disciplines and share a common educational experience.