School of Dentistry
Overview
The IU School of Dentistry offers the following dental programs on the Fort Wayne campus: dental assisting, dental hygiene, and dental technology.
Certified Dental Assisting
The IUFW dental assisting curriculum includes didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses, as well as clinical experiences in general and specialty practices throughout northeastern Indiana. The curriculum prepares students for a career as a dental health professional. A graduate of this certificate program may choose to specialize in any of the following areas of dentistry: general dentistry at chairside or in a restorative (expanded functions) role; orthodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics; assist in general dental procedures at area hospitals, public health dentistry and additional dental business-related positions in management, insurance, research, and dental sales. Graduates take national boards to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) making them eligible to obtain a dental radiology license in the State of Indiana.
Dental Hygiene
The B.S. in Dental Hygiene program prepares students for a career as a dental health professional who specializes in educational, preventive, and therapeutic oral healthcare. The dental hygiene B.S. program involves one year of prerequisite courses and three years of dental hygiene courses, and combines didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses. The program offers a full-time curriculum that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Dental Technology
The dental technician functions within the dental health team much as a pharmacist functions within the medical care team. The technician fabricates appliances to the specification of a work authorization provided by the dentist. It is recommended anyone interested in a career in dental technology spend some time at local commercial dental laboratories to evaluate the day-to-day operation of the dental technician. The program has maintained full accreditation by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation since its beginning in 1972.
