Dental Assisting Certificate

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

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

The student learning outcomes for the certificate are as follows:

• 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 current technology in the practice of dentistry, as it is constantly changing.
• Demonstrate the highest levels of ethical behavior, personal integrity, and professional ethics in 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: chairside 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. Two observations in dental offices are required. See the Department of Dental Education for application and observation forms. Prospective dental assisting students must complete IPFW 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. Because space in the dental assisting program is limited to 24 students per year, admission is competitive. Applications and two observations forms for selection into the dental assisting program must be received no later than March 1 of the year an applicant wishes to enter the program. The number of eligible applicants each year exceeds the number of spaces available.

Applicants must also make an appointment with a dental assisting advisor to discuss the program and receive current information regarding admission, prerequisite requirements, and possible degree completion options. To make an appointment with your advisor, log onto the dental education website http://www.ipfw.edu/dental, click on advisors and follow the instructions to find your academic advisor.

Class Selection Process

Requirements

• Have a minimum IPFW grade-point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in the 12 hours of pre-dental assisting curriculum. The GPA is calculated on only the 12 hours of pre-dental assisting curriculum taken at IPFW or at other Purdue University or Indiana University campuses. Applicants are ranked based on this GPA. This GPA does not include transfer courses.
• A minimum GPA does not guarantee admission. The actual GPA necessary for admission varies with the GPA distribution of the applicant pool and the number of available seats for admission.
• All transfer grades will be reviewed and evaluated in the admission process.
• First-priority consideration for program admission will be given to students who have completed all 12 hours of pre-dental assisting curriculum at IPFW or at other Purdue University or Indiana University campuses.
• Students must return the acceptance form by the deadline stated in the acceptance letter.
• Students who have not been accepted, but who are qualified, may reapply for admission.

University Preference

Students who complete all of their prerequisite courses at IPFW, Indiana University, or Purdue University will be considered first for entrance into the program.

Students who complete their prerequisite courses at IPFW, Indiana University, or Purdue University and other colleges/universities will be considered second for entrance into the program.

Students who complete all their prerequisite courses at other colleges/universities that are not IPFW, Indiana University, or Purdue University courses will be considered third for entrance into the program.