When the dental assisting program at Duluth Business University closed in 2003, dentists in the Northeastern District Dental Society were concerned there would no longer be an adequate supply of well-trained dental assistants available to meet the ever-expanding demand for dental services. The District brought this concern to Ken Simberg, then Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Hibbing Community College (HCC), which housed the only dental assisting program in the entire Northeastern District. Two options were "aired" as possible solutions to the potential dental assisting shortage. The first was to offer a "satellite" extension of the accredited Hibbing dental assisting program at Lake Superior College in Duluth, which houses a dental hygiene program. The second option was for Hibbing Community College to create an online dental assisting program.
After numerous discussions, an appeal for prospective Duluth-area dental assisting students, and a survey of the dentists in the Northeastern District, the decision was made to proceed with the online dental assisting option. It was felt that this type of program would address the entire geographical area of the District and also address the dental assisting educational needs of all areas of the state and region that are not fortunate enough to have an established program nearby. The Dental Advisory Board wanted to make certain that this program would be "done right", as its main concern was to make certain that graduates of the online program would be "quality" well-trained dental assistants. In the fall of 2004, after much discussion, significant research, and a lot of hard work, Hibbing Community College made its online dental assisting program a reality.
Up and Running
Hibbing Community College's Online Dental Assistant Program is a nationally accredited course which prepares students for a rewarding career in the field of dental assisting. The program is one of the nation's first dental assisting programs to combine e-learning courses with hands-on training under the supervision of practicing dentists. The program includes an online education curriculum, on-site clinical practicum experience, and an internship in a dental practice, ensuring the quality of education, program affordability, and access to education — even from remote and rural sites.
Students learn a variety of skills required of a chairside assistant, laboratory technician, and dental receptionist, including polishing teeth, applying fluoride, taking impressions, placing and removing rubber dams, and taking X-rays during on-campus clinic sessions. The HCC Online Dental Assistant Program offers a dual benefit: students have the opportunity to take the next step in an exciting and challenging career, and the employer gains a well-trained dental assistant with minimal disruption to the office setting.
After successfully completing the program, students are eligible to take the National Chairside Assisting Certification Exam and the Minnesota Registration Exam. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
A Case Report (Of Sorts)
Student Amy Lindemann is currently enrolled in HCC's online dental assisting program. Amy's career path has taken a few twists along the way. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Amy did some substitute teaching but was unable to find a full-time position. When she took a job with Philip B. Sallberg, D.D.S., P.A., in Roseau, Minnesota, Amy discovered her calling.
"He and the staff have taught me so much," Amy said. But training in the dental assisting field wasn't available in Amy's hometown — or anywhere else close to her home, job, and family. "I had looked around a bit prior to enrolling [at Hibbing Community College] and found nothing to further my education in my area. So when my employer brought the program to my attention, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to learn more about what
I was already doing and become a registered dental assistant. Not only will this benefit me, but I will be better able to serve our patients, my co-workers, and employer. I would like to thank HCC for providing me with this opportunity to better my self and my family." Like Amy, students in the HCC online dental program find that completion of the online coursework is convenient, flexible, and easily accomplished from the comfort of home, no matter the distance. Students enjoy ready online access to all the necessary support services within the college, starting with registration and continuing with academic advising, financial aid, library services, tutoring, and computer help-desk support.
What You'll Need
Since its inception in September 2004, 11 students have enrolled in the course. The prerequisite for admission into the program is current and ongoing employment in a dental office. This program gives in-office trained dental assistants anywhere a chance to get the education needed to be a vital part of the dental team. The program is five semesters in length, with on-campus visits in three of the semesters.
"Because of the shortage of dental assistants and the access-to-care issues, this is a perfect way to hire the dental assistant you want and have a hand in the training of that assistant," said Anne Badanjak, HCC Dental Assistant Program Director. "We are in the second semester of the program, and the success rate so far is 100%. The students are happy with the pace and what they are learning, and are looking forward to their time on campus to demonstrate what they are practicing in their offices. The employers are glad to participate in the competency evaluations as well as the assessments of their assistants. We are currently serving students in both rural and urban communities, and if the need is great, another section of the progam will be started in the fall of 2005."
What Is Online Learning?
Online learning (via computer) takes place when the instructor and student are not in the same geographic location. Taking an online course enables students to earn college credit when they are unable to come to campus, providing more flexibility and convenience. There are two types of online courses:
1. Fully online courses.
• All course requirements can be completed at a distance.
• There are no on-campus meetings.
• They may require proctored tests in a secured environment, either at HCC or a nearby college campus.
2. Hybrid courses
• A majority of the course requirements can be completed at distance.
• Courses may require on-campus orientation, testing, and perhaps a few on-campus meetings or labs.
There is a misconception that online courses are independent study. While readings and assignments are typically completed asynchronously (at any time and in any place), there are usually deadlines for assignments, and set times, dates, and pre-approved locations for proctored exams. In most cases, courses begin with the start of the semester or term and
continue throughout the term.
To be successful in online course learning, students will need to learn the requirements and technology used in the particular course. This will include:
• basic computer skills and knowledge of basic computer operations,
• access to a computer and the Internet,
• agreement to purchase the books and necessary software (if needed),
• the ability to submit course assignments and take tests,
• active participation from start to completion of the course. This may involve logging in several times per week, including reading, group discussions, assignments, and exams.
• Assignments may be submitted electronically, by mail, by fax,
or hand delivered. Tests may be taken online or proctored at an instructor-approved site.
Successful online learners tend to be independent, responsible, self-disciplined, and self-motivated.
Online courses require different time-management skills from those needed for face-to-face courses.
If You're Interested...
Registration for fall semester is now underway. For more information on Hibbing Community College's Online Dental Assisting Program, please visit the HCC website at www.hcc.mnscu.edu or contact Dental Assisting Instructor Anne Badanjak at (218) 262-7242.
