Dental Assistants are important members of the dental health care team who work with dentists in the delivery of dental care to patients. Dental Assistants utilize their knowledge and clinical skills to provide dental care for patients in every practice of dentistry, while using their interpersonal skills to motivate and educate patients on methods to prevent oral disease and to maintain sound oral health.
Indiana University School of Dentistry offers a full-time dental assisting undergraduate certificate program in an immersive dental environment at the School of Dentistry located on the IU Indianapolis campus. Upon graduation, graduates are prepared for:
- Assisting in general and specialty practices such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, pediatrics and endodontics
- Exposing and processing images
- Carving dental restorations (fillings)
- Obtaining impressions and bite registrations for prostheses
- Applying topical anesthetics and assisting with anesthetic administration
- Educating patients concerning home care after dental procedures and oral healthcare
- Completing preventive procedures: dental sealants, coronal polishing, fluoride application, etc.
The dental assisting program provides students a rich clinical experience, includes clinic rotations in general dentistry and dental specialities, and provides the opportunity for students to learn, work and network with a variety of dental professionals. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).