Prasida Khanal, Bds, Mph
About Prasida Khanal, Bds, Mph
Prasida Khanal, BDS, MPH, serves as the State Oral Health Director at the Minnesota Department of Health, where she has worked since 2017. She has extensive experience in public health, grant management, and community collaboration, particularly in enhancing oral health services for underserved populations in Minnesota.
Current Role as State Oral Health Director
Prasida Khanal serves as the State Oral Health Director at the Minnesota Department of Health, a position she has held since 2017. In this role, she focuses on enhancing the oral health system in Minnesota, particularly for low-income populations. Her responsibilities include collaborating with ethnic and underserved communities to develop effective public health strategies. Khanal envisions a coordinated approach to improve oral health, emphasizing education and prevention of dental diseases.
Previous Experience at Minnesota Department of Health
Before her current role, Prasida Khanal worked as a Planner Principal State at the Minnesota Department of Health for four months in 2017. During this time, she was involved in identifying, developing, and securing grants for various oral health projects in Nepal. Her experience in grant administration and project supervision contributed to her expertise in public health initiatives.
Academic Background and Public Health Education
Prasida Khanal has an extensive academic background in public health and dentistry. She earned a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) with honors from the American Public University System, achieving a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. Additionally, she completed a Dental Public Health Residency at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and a Miniresidency in Geriatrics and Long-term Care for the Dental Team at the University of Minnesota.
Teaching Role at St. Catherine University
In addition to her role at the Minnesota Department of Health, Prasida Khanal has been an Adjunct Professor in Public Health at St. Catherine University since 2016. In this position, she shares her knowledge and experience with students, contributing to the education of future public health professionals. Her teaching role complements her practical experience in the field.
Volunteer Work and Community Engagement
Prasida Khanal has actively volunteered with the United Nations and various nonprofits in Minnesota. Her volunteer work reflects her commitment to public health and community service. Through these efforts, she has engaged with diverse populations, furthering her understanding of health disparities and the importance of accessible healthcare services.