School of Dentistry
Programs
Dental Assisting
Student Learning Outcomes
PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Dental Assisting Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne is to offer an exceptional and nationally renowned undergraduate educational program; achieve excellence in knowledge and skills in the theory and practice of dental assisting; prepare students to be ethical oral healthcare professionals; and maintain and cultivate a diverse, intellectual, and working partnership with the community. The program is committed to excellence in the theory and practice of dental assisting and in the development of competent, socially sensitive, and ethically responsible professionals.
PROGRAM GOALS
- Identify principles and theories of dentistry from a variety of disciplines as a basis for developing a knowledge base which are the basic foundations of dental assisting practice.
- Develop and incorporate skills in critical thinking, interpretation, reasoning, questioning and decision-making.
- Apply principles from basic sciences, social sciences and clinical practice to deliver comprehensive care to patients in the practice of dentistry.
- Practice and apply a safe delivery of care for patients in the practice of comprehensive dentistry.
- Develop competence in assessing, evaluating, planning and treating oral conditions and diseases.
- Develop effective verbal and nonverbal interpersonal communication skills.
- Recognize good health practices and promote these ideals to others.
- Interpret, evaluate and synthesize current scientific research and apply evidence-based reasoning skills appropriately.
- Understand and apply technology in the practice of dentistry as it is constantly changing.
- Apply ethical behavior necessary to the practice of dentistry and the patients that are under their care.
- Assume a leadership and collaborative role in the advancement of the dental assisting profession through community activities and affiliations with professional organizations.
- Recognize the need for life-long learning and professional development.
