IPFW is committed to providing a quality education needed for a successful career in dental assisting. Students can expect academic rigor, innovative approaches and a curriculum relevant to today’s world.
The IPFW Dental Assisting Program was established in 1965. The program leads to a certificate in dental assisting and is 34 credit hours.
The limited class size of 24 students per year offers an opportunity for individualized instruction. The faculty brings many years of practice experience to the classroom. Associate faculty includes many practicing certified dental assistants, dentists, and specialists from the community.
Students receive clinical experience in area general dental practices and exposure to specialty dental practices. Those completing the program may pursue advanced training in dental specialty disciplines.
First Semester (Fall)
|
IPFW Course Title
|
Course No.
|
Cr. Hours
|
|
Oral Pathology, Physiology & Anatomy
|
DAST A111
|
2
|
|
Microbiology & Asepsis Technique
|
DAST A121
|
2
|
|
Dental Material I
|
DAST A131
|
3
|
|
Clinical Science I
|
DAST A171
|
4
|
|
Oral Anatomy, Histology & Embryology
|
DHYG H214
|
3
|
|
Radiology
|
DHYG H303
|
2
|
|
Total
|
16
|
Second Semester (Spring)
|
IPFW Course Title
|
Course No.
|
Cr. Hours
|
|
Dental & Medical Emerg & Therapeutics
|
DAST A112
|
2
|
|
Introduction to Dentistry Specialties
|
DHYG H242
|
1
|
|
Dental Materials II
|
DAST A132
|
3
|
|
Preventive Dentistry & Nutrition
|
DAST A141
|
2
|
|
Radiology Clinic I
|
DHYG H305
|
2
|
|
Clinical Science II
|
DAST A172
|
6
|
|
Practice Mgmnt., Ethics & Jurisprudence
|
DAST A182
|
2
|
|
Total
|
18
|
Certificate in Dental Assisting
Upon successful completion of IPFW's program requirements, students receive a certificate in dental assisting from Indiana University, College of Health and Human Services. This is received at the graduation ceremonies in the spring of each year.
Also, graduates are required to take the certification exam of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to become certified dental assistants (CDA) in general chairside dentistry. After successful testing, graduates are also eligible for Indiana's state radiology license.
IPFW is proud to offer a didactic/laboratory Orthodontic Clinician Program in addition to our certificate program.
Those students showing an interest in pursuing additional training in orthodontics may choose to enter this program which is offered each spring. The program is taught in addition to existing spring courses. The class meets for five weeks, two evenings per week. The course is taught by area professional orthodontic assistants who are graduates of our program.
Upon completing this program, students will receive an additional certificate of participation given at graduation ceremonies.
Graduates of our dental assisting program often wish to pursue advanced training in expanded functions. The program is occasionally offered at IPFW and usually in Indianapolis at the IU School of Dentistry. For more information on Continuing Education offered at Indiana University, visit Continuing Education.
2101 E. Coliseum Blvd.
