Dental Technology B.S.

Program: B.S. in Dental Technology
Department of Dental Education  
College of Health and Human Services

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

Introduction

Student Learning Outcomes:

• 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.

Accreditation

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

Program Delivery

• The Dental Technology program curriculum includes didactic and laboratory courses along with four prerequisite courses, and three years of professional dental laboratory courses. Students are designated as pre-dental technology 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.

 Declaring This Major

• 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 technology program.
• Prospective dental 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.

General Requirements

• IPFW Degree Requirements  
• IPFW General Education Requirements  
• IPFW List of Overlapping Content  
• IPFW Academic Regulations  

Program Requirements

• Specific admission requirements for program
  • 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:
    1. a recent physical examination (the summer before the program begins)
    2. a recent TB testing (the summer before the program begins)
    3. received the three Hepatitis B immunizations (before the program begins) and a Hepatitis B titer (blood test)
    4. Submitted proof of payment for their Purdue Professional Liability Insurance coverage. Purdue professional liability insurance is not valid unless it has been paid.
    5. Complete a criminal background check. Students will receive online instructions at orientation.
• Listing required courses for admission to program
   
  • All students must complete the following courses or the equivalent, prior to being accepted into the Dental Technology Program:
     
    1. ENG W131- English composition (Gen. ed. Area A.1)
    2. COM 114 - Fundamentals of Speech Communications (Gen. ed. Area A.2)
    3. SOC S161 - Sociology (Gen. ed Area B.5)
    4. PSY 120 - Psychology (Gen. ed. Area B.5)
        
• Failure to achieve a cumulative 2.0 GPA the fourth semester prior to graduation will result in dismissal from the Dental Laboratory Technology Program.
• 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.  Students who fail any DLT course will result in dismissal from the Dental Laboratory Technology Program.
• Student Responsibilities: You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program. Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.
   
• Other program requirements
  • Admission Policies
    1. Reapplying.  Students who have not been accepted, but who are qualified, may reapply fo radmission.  Students who decline admission two times will no longer be considered.
    2. Repeat Attempts.  A student may make two graded attempts at a prerequisite course, with the most recent grade calculated in the prerequisite GPA.
    3. 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.
  • 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.

• General Education requirements are specific to each concentration. See concentrations below.
   
  • All BSDT students will be required to fulfil the general education requirements
    1. Category A: Foundational Intellectual Skills
       • 1. Written Communication (at least 3 cr and all outcomes in approved courses)
       • 2. Speaking and Listening (at least 3 cr and all outcomes in approved courses)
       • 3. Quantitative Reasoning (at least 3 cr and all outcomes in approved courses)
    2. Category B: Ways of Knowing
       • 4. Scientific Ways of Knowing (at least 3 cr and all outcomes in approved courses)
       • 5. Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing (at least 3 cr and all outcomes in approved courses)
       • 6. Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing (at least 3 cr and all outcomes in approved courses)
       • 7. Interdisciplinary or Creative Ways of Knowing (at least 3 cr and all outcomes in approved course)
    3. The remaining 9 credit hours of the state-mandated general education should be taken by students from among the approved courses in Categories A and B as needed to fulfill their remaining state-mandated outcomes and as works best for their programs/majors.