Dental Assisting Certificate

Program: Certificate in Dental Assisting
Department of Dental Education
College of Health and Human Services

Neff Hall 150 ~ 260-481-6837 ~ www.ipfw.edu/dental

Graduates of the Dental Assisting Program will:

• Demonstrate the breadth and depth of knowledge in basic sciences, social sciences, and clinical practice to deliver comprehensive care to patients in the practice of dentistry.
• Demonstrate and incorporate problem-solving skills in critical thinking, interpretation, reasoning, questioning, and decision-making.
• Demonstrate competence in assessing, evaluating, planning, and treating oral conditions and diseases.
• Demonstrate effective written, oral, and multimedia skills to communicate effectively in diverse settings.
• Interpret, evaluate, and synthesize current scientific dental research and apply evidence-based reasoning skills.
• Comprehend and demonstrate technology in the practice of dentistry, as it is constantly changing.
• Demonstrate the highest levels of ethical behavior, personal integrity, and professional ethics to the practice of dentistry and the patients that are under their care.
• Assume a leadership and collaborative role in the advancement of the dental profession through local, regional, national, and international communities and professional organizations.
• Demonstrate and apply the skills for life-long learning and professional development.

This program includes at least one semester of prerequisite courses and one year of dental assisting courses. The program offers a full-time curriculum that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

A Dental Assisting Certificate prepares you for a career as a dental health professional who may choose to specialize in any of the following areas of dentistry: chair side general dentistry, expanded functions dental assisting (restorative) in general or pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, assist in dental surgery at area hospitals, endodontics, public health dentistry, dental sales, dental insurance, dental research, business assisting or office management, or clinical supervision. The program combines didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses. Graduates are eligible to take the national boards to become a certified dental assistant (CDA) and take the state boards to obtain a dental radiology license in the State of Indiana.

Admission

Admission to IPFW does not confer admission to this program. To be admitted to the certificate program you apply separately to IPFW and the dental assisting program.  Applicants must also make an appointment with a dental assisting advisor to discuss the program and receive current information regarding admission and prerequisite requirements and possible degree completion options.  Prospective dental assisting students must complete prerequisite courses listed below or equivalent courses at another accredited college or university. These courses may not be graded on a pass/not-pass option. Remedial or developmental courses cannot be used to fulfill these prerequisite requirements. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.50 or higher. Two observations in dental offices are required. See department for application and observation forms. You must also make an appointment with a dental assisting advisor to discuss the program. Because space in the dental assisting program is limited to 24 students per year, admission is competitive. Applications for selection into the dental assisting program must be received no later than April 1 of the year an applicant wishes to enter the program. The number of eligible applicants each year exceeds the number of spaces available.