Dental Laboratory Technology (A.S.)

Program: A.S. in Dental Laboratory Technology  Last admitted cohort for this program is Fall 2016.
Department of Dental Education
College of Health and Human Services

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

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The Associates degree in the Dental Laboratory Technology Program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 E Chicago Ave # 780, Chicago, IL 60611-6983, telephone (312) 440-2500, http://www.ada.org.

The student learning outcomes for the Dental Laboratory Technology degree are as follows:

Graduates of the Dental Laboratory Technology program will:

• Demonstrate the breadth of knowledge in the principals of restorative dental prosthesis and dental sciences.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the technical competency skills necessary to perform at or beyond an entry-level position in a dental laboratory.
• Comprehend and apply dental terminology, and technical advancements in the dental laboratory technology profession.
• Demonstrate ethical work habits and behavior patterns that are required for the success and advancement in the dental profession.
• Demonstrate the need for continued learning and professional development locally, nationally and internationally in the field of dental laboratory technology.
• Demonstrate the written, oral and multimedia skills necessary to communicate effectively in multicultural/diverse settings.
• Demonstrate skills in critical thinking, interpretation, reasoning, questioning, and decision making in the dental profession.
• Demonstrate proficiency in interpreting and evaluating current dental prosthetic research and apply that knowledge to demonstrate dental laboratory skills necessary for life-long learning.
• Promote the dental laboratory technology profession through service learning activities, affiliations with professional organizations, and partnerships with dental companies and the community.

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The Dental Laboratory Technology program curriculum includes didactic and laboratory courses along with two prerequisite courses, two preferred admission courses, and two years of professional dental laboratory courses. Students are designated as pre-dental laboratory students prior to admission to the program. The professional curriculum is a structured, full-time program beginning each fall semester. A Dental Laboratory Technology degree prepares graduates for a career as a dental health professional in the construction of restorative dental prostheses prescribed by a dentist. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take a written Comprehensive Examination and one written Specialty Examination. After successful completion of these two written examinations, passing an additional practical examination will enable the graduate to become a certified dental technician. These examinations are offered by the National Board for Certification. 

Application to the Program

Applicants must also make an appointment with a dental laboratory 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, go to the dental education website http://www.ipfw.edu/dental, click on Advisors and follow the instructions to find your academic advisor.

Admission to IPFW does not confer admission to the program. To be admitted to the dental laboratory technology program prospective students must apply separately to both IPFW and the dental laboratory technology program.

Prospective dental laboratory technology 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. A minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for all applicants.

The dental laboratory technology program is limited to 20 students per academic year with a new class beginning each fall semester. The separate application required for admission to the dental laboratory technology program is obtained by contacting the Department of Dental Education.  The application for entry to the dental laboratory program must be received no later than May 15 of the year an applicant wishes to enter the program. The number of eligible applicants each year exceeds the number of spaces available. Applicants can be considered an alternate if they are: 1. taking prerequisite courses during the Summer I session 2. Apply after the May 15 application deadline.

 Class Selection Process

Acceptance into the Dental Laboratory Technology Program is based on the following: 

• Applicants must have a minimum IPFW grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in the 6 hours of pre-dental laboratory curriculum along with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.  The GPA is calculated on only the 6 hours of pre-dental laboratory technology curriculum taken. Applicants are ranked based on this GPA.  A minimum GPA does not guarantee admission. The actual GPA necessary for admission varies with the GPA distribution of the applicant pool.

• All transfer grades will be reviewed and evaluated in the admission process. Remedial or developmental courses (ENG R150, R151, R152, P131, W130, or MA 109) cannot be used to fulfill these prerequisite requirements.

• Should a tie in applicants’ GPAs occur, rank ordering will be based upon the applicants’ cumulative GPA.

• Applicants must return the acceptance form by the deadline stated in the acceptance letter.

• Demonstrate meeting the College of Health and Human Services Technical Standards.

• Applicants who have served in the military must submit an official military transcript to receive transfer credit, if applicable.

• Students in the professional dental programs must pass a drug screening test, if requested.

• Students must submit evidence that they have completed the following before classes begin fall semester:

  • a recent physical examination (the summer before the program begins)
  • a recent TB testing (the summer before the program begins)
  • received the three Hepatitis B immunizations (before the program begins) and a Hepatitis B titer (blood test)
  • submitted proof of payment for their Purdue Professional Liability Insurance coverage. Purdue professional liability insurance is not valid unless it has been paid.
  • complete a criminal background check. Students will receive online instructions at orientation.

Admission Policies

Reapplying.  Students who have not been accepted, but who are qualified, may reapply for admission. Students who decline admission two times will no longer be considered.

Repeat Attempts.  A student may make two graded attempts at a prerequisite course, with the most recent grade calculated in the prerequisite GPA.

Academic Renewal.   Students who are returning to IPFW after five years or more are eligible for the Academic Renewal Option.  The Academic Renewal Option must be exercised during a student’s first semester back at IPFW, regardless of when the student applies for admission to the Dental Laboratory Technology Program. The Program’s admission committee will recognize IPFW’s Academic Renewal Option when reviewing an applicant for admission.

Special Academic Regulations for Students in the Department of Dental Education

Tattoos and Head and Neck Piercings

The dental profession is extremely conservative. Tattoos and head and neck piercings are not acceptable in the health science professions. If students have tattoos that are noticeable, they must be covered by clothing. If they cannot be covered by clothing, students are required to cover tattoos with bandages. All head and neck piercings must be removed.

Attendance

Because of the experiential learning process used in all dental laboratory courses, attendance is essential and mandatory. Some evening hours may be required; including, but not limited to evening courses and professional association meetings.

Criteria for Dismissal from the Dental Laboratory Technology Program

a.     Students who earn their first D in any DLT course will be placed on program probation. If the student earns a second D in any DLT course they will be dismissed from the Dental Laboratory Technology Program.   
b.     Students who fail any DLT course will result in dismissal from the Dental Laboratory Technology Program.
c.     Failure to achieve a cumulative 2.0 GPA the fourth semester prior to graduation will result in dismissal from the Dental Laboratory Technology Program. See the IPFW Undergraduate Bulletin for more details.

A student who is dismissed from the program may appeal the decision to the Department of Dental Education. If the student is dismissed for failure to meet the university’s minimum academic standards, application for readmission must follow the procedures established by the university.

• Dismissal from the Dental Laboratory Program may result from professional misconduct. Students who have been accepted to the program will receive a program manual at summer orientation that must be read before they start the program.
• The College of Health and Human Services Academic and Professional Misconduct Appeals Policy and forms can be found at www.ipfw.edu/departments/chhs/resources/appeal.html