Allied Dental
Philosophy and Goals
ALLIED DENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS MISSION
THE MISSION OF THE ALLIED DENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IS TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO
ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS, TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE QUALITY
OF LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY AND TO SUPPORT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE
CENTRAL MIDLANDS.
PHILOSOPHY OF THE ALLIED DENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The critical test of any form of academic activity must ultimately be its
usefulness to our culture and society. The institutions of higher learning
were created and continue to be supported because they aid society in
achieving its aspirations and goals. While the education of the Expanded
Duty Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene student is the primary mission,
this activity alone is insufficient for fulfilling our obligation to
society. Patient focus during the allied dental professional students’
education and service activities are essential in validating the social
value of the institution and the worth of the graduate’s degree.
Education of the ideal Expanded Duty Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene
student is a goal, which would not be attainable without effective student
rapport. The student is to be regarded as a colleague in a learning
experience with adequate flexibility for individual expression and
achievement. The student should be encouraged and assisted in obtaining
personal as well as professional goals. Acknowledging that competence
fosters confidence, the student’s progress towards attainment of capstone
competencies will be validated via benchmark assessments throughout their
academic program.
The allied dental professional, the dentist and the dental educators work as
a team for the betterment of the community’s oral health. The dentist, the
expanded duty dental assistant, dental hygienist, and dental laboratory
technician share common goals and objectives as they work together as a team
to improve their patients’ oral and general health status. Through the
strength of this oral health care team, the Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
becomes a partner in the restoration of the patient’s optimum oral health
and the Dental Hygienist becomes a partner in the prevention of disease
associated with the oral cavity.