Area:  Dental Assistant

Responsibility:  Kim Coad, Janet Fisher  

Timelines: Yellow - September 15; Green - May 31

Measure:

1.  Students will average 2.5 or better on each individual competency completed in the competency profile.

Explain how you plan on measuring learning?  

Each technical program assesses technical, communication, and critical thinking skills using a variety of instructional strategies, including tests, projects, quizzes, homework, hands-on demonstrations, etc. Student mastery of these skills is documented in the competency profile. Competency profiles are stored in the registrar’s office.

Each technical program assesses interpersonal/workplace skills using a variety of instructional strategies. Student development of these skills is documented in the competency profile.

What were the end of year results?

Any other “indirect” measures of student learning? Graduate and job placement data? Student survey data? NOCTI scores? % of students meeting graduation requirements?

• All competencies for all courses were completed with a 2.8 or above for the 12 graduates of the dental assistant program.

• Technical, communication and critical thinking skills were assessed and documented in the individual competency profiles.

• Sixteen students started the program in August, 2 dropped during the first 2 weeks, 2 more were dropped at semester. Twelve    students completed the program for a 75% completion or graduation rate.

• All graduates had a 90% or above attendance rate at graduation.

• All graduates completed a resume, cover letter, and attended a job interview seminar with a local dentist.

• All graduates completed the NOCTI testing – scores are not available yet.

• As of May 11, 2010 – 3 students have jobs, others are interviewing and may have jobs by graduation.

What changes need to be made in teaching or the curriculum?

Per Assessment Data on the competency profiles instructional goals for student learning are being met, however the retention rate is a concern. After looking at the retention rate for the past three years, we have made changes to the enrollment process and criteria for the Dental Assistant Program. We will continue to have a group orientation on Enrollment Day in May. We will also continue todo individual interviews with each enrollee. The following criteria must be completed by August 1, 2010 in order for the enrollee to maintain a position in the Dental Assistant Program. Complete a 4 hour observation in a dentist’s office, have the first Hepatitis B vaccination, take the ACT Compass with reading at a 60 and math at a 20, and turn in a high school transcript or GED.