INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – The IU School of Dentistry is set to launch the first accredited distance-learning program in Indiana for dental assisting, enabling students to complete the non-clinical classroom portion of the program anywhere they have access to a computer at anytime.

Making dental assisting education more accessible to every Hoosier through computers is a step toward easing the shortage of certified dental assistants (CDAs) in the state, a problem Indiana shares with the rest of the country. Of an estimated 275,000 dental assistants in the U.S., about 30,000 are certified by the American Dental Association. Only 825 reside in Indiana, which has about 3,300 licensed dentists.

"The Distance-Learning Dental Assisting Program is one of the most exciting developments to come about in recent years as a direct and creative response from the IU dental school's faculty to a dire need of our practicing dental community here in Indiana as well as across the country," said Dr. Lawrence I. Goldblatt, dean of the IU School of Dentistry.

The first distance-learning class will begin in August. Class size will be limited to 12 students in the first academic year.

Eligibility for the program includes those who have graduated from high school or are a senior in high school with at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, are proficient in English and science at a high school or college level and have keyboarding experience or computer skills.

The distance-learning program is expected to appeal to candidates living in rural areas where access to traditional courses is difficult, said Patricia A. Capps, an IU clinical associate professor who will direct the nine month course annually, from August to May. "Distance learning is also a good choice for students who must juggle an education with job and family responsibilities."

Students will graduate along with their counterparts in the traditional accredited dental assisting program at the IU School of Dentistry. To become certified dental assistants, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam given by the Dental Assisting National Board.

The school will use IU's online computer course management system to teach non-clinical subjects and to maintain a running dialogue with students, who must also spend one Saturday a month in Indianapolis at the IU School of Dentistry to complete laboratory assignments and take exams.

Clinical training will be provided primarily by general dentists chosen by the students and will typically involve private practitioners who are situated in or near students' home communities. Students will also be required to assist in the office of a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist or endodontist.

The dental school is also recruiting dentists to join the program.

Applicants or dentists with questions about the program may contact Capps at 317-274-5325 or paacapps@iupui.edu. Additional details about the program are available at www.iusd.iupui.edu/depts/pa/dent_assist/default.htm.

SOURCE: Indiana University School of Dentistry

[  Printer-friendly page ]