The ADA has delegated the Commission on Dental Accreditation the responsibility for the evaluation of advanced dental education programs and for the listing of programs that are conducted in accordance with published educational standards. Included in this listing are all accredited advanced education programs, which include dental specialties, general practice residencies and advanced education in general dentistry.

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) in Washington, DC has the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). This is the central application service for the dental schools. This service is available to all students applying to dental schools participating in the application service. AADSAS simplifies the application process by providing one standardized form, relieving students of the need to complete multiple applications. Dental programs benefit by receiving uniform information on all applicants. Additionally, the ADEA has a directory that has the admission requirements and description of the programs at each dental school.

The American Dental Education Association also has the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS). This service is available to all individuals applying to postdoctoral dental education programs participating in the application service. PASS simplifies the application process by providing on standardized format, relieving applicants of the need to complete multiple applications. Dental programs benefit by receiving uniform information on all applicants.

A Guide for Developing an Accredited Dental Hygiene Education Program

For those institutional administrators and/or educators who are considering developing a dental hygiene program, the ADA’s Council on Dental Education and Licensure has a “how to” Guide to get started. This comprehensive Guide details steps to follow in developing specific areas of the program and includes a variety of sample forms and checklists. It also contains exhibits at the end of each chapter that provide examples of documentation a program can use to demonstrate compliance with the Commission on Dental Accreditation’s dental hygiene Standards. Chapter topics include Community Resources, Program Organization, Financial Considerations, Facilities, Curriculum and Miscellaneous topics, such as infectious diseases, radiation management and management of emergency situations. The Dental Hygiene Guide is available for a fee. For more information, contact the Council.

Contact Information:
American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
1400 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
800-353-2237
202-289-7201
E-mail: csraadsas@adea.org
http://www.adea.org/aadsas

Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS)
1400 K Street, NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
202-289-2701
http://www.adea.org/pass