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Thank you for your interest in Indiana University South Bend.  We are happy for this opportunity to introduce you to the IU South Bend Dental Assisting program.  Any questions you have about our program are welcome.  If you would like to speak with a faculty member, please do not hesitate to call or stop by the campus.  We look forward to hearing from you.

This one-year curriculum is accredited by the American Dental Association.  A high school diploma or the GED equivalent is required for acceptance into the certificate program.  The program offers a full-time, as well as part-time curriculum.  A part-time student may enroll either Fall semester (August) or Spring semester (January).

Students receive 300 hours of clinical hands-on experience in the IU South Bend Dental Assisting program.  Students learn the theory and practice of chair side dental assisting, clinical support services, and office practice management.  Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination which includes the State of Indiana Dental Radiation Health and Safety requirements.

Admission Procedures
An IU South Bend Admissions Application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions.  Upon formally being admitted to IU South Bend, a separate application for admission to the Dental Assisting Program (see link at bottom of page) should be completed and returned to the Programs in Dental Education office along with the supporting documents.  Applicants to the Dental Assisting program must be a high school graduate with a C or better average or the GED equivalent.  Applications for fall admission for tull- and part-time students are due July 1.  Applications for Spring admission for part-time students are due November 1.  Late applications will be considered.

Career Information
In the field of health care there are a growing number of jobs that require skills beyond a high school education but not a four-year college degree.  The role of auxiliaries in dentistry is continually expanding.  By employing Dental Assistants, Dentists are able to more efficiently serve a larger population.  The majority of our graduates are employed in Dental practices.  Within the profession of Dental Assisting, graduates are able to specialize in their area of interest such as expanded functions, oral surgery, and orthodontics or business management.  Nationwide the demand for Dental Assistants exceeds the supply.

Of these students, 80 percent are in general dentist's offices and 20 percent are working in specialty offices.  Approximately 94 percent of IU South Bend Dental Assisting graduates are working in dental offices within two weeks after graduation.  (Each year, a number of our graduates continue with their education.  Most common career paths are: dental hygiene, education, dental school and General Studies.)

Dental Assisting Scholarships and Grants

• North Central Dental Society Dental Assisting Grant:  must be a resident of St. Joseph, Elkhart, Starke, Marshall, Kosciusko, or Fulton county and present evidence of financial need.
• American Dental Association Endowment and Assistance Fund:  must be currently enrolled as an entering or first-year student at the time of application.  Maximum award of $1,000 to defray school expenses. etc.
• National Dental Association Foundation:  for under-represented minority students.  Process:  Letter from applicant, two letters of recommendation, include any/all information related to merit, must submit an FAFSA or GA Financial Aid Statement. Requirements:  U.S. citizenship/permanent resident status, membership in Student National Dental Assistant Association, if available.
• Colgate-Juliette A. Sothard Scholarship Trust Fund:  American Dental assistants Association.
• Indiana Dental Assisting Association Grant:  Spring deadline.

Dental Assisting Certificate Requirements - 33 credit hours

Programs are subject to change.  Refer to academic bulletin or consult with an advisor for appropriate counseling.  Other courses and options may be available.

For additional information, contact Judy Schafer, jschafe2@iusb.edu.

Go to Steps to Apply