Florida National University (FNU) offers five respective dental programs from which students can choose. Individuals who are considering a career in the dental field might want to explore the opportunities made available through FNU. Let’s take a closer look at what FNU’s dental programs have to offer, and the benefits of each:
Why Study in the Dental Field
The dental field is a growing field that is increasingly important as the demand increases, and it is growing for several reasons. For example, elevating health programs in developing countries increase the push for advanced dental care. Also, the increasing population in more advanced parts of the world, and all over the planet leads to a higher demand for dental care. Dental health needs are on the rise.
Benefits of Certificates and Diplomas
One of the biggest benefits to choosing a certificate or diploma program at the higher education level is that these programs take significantly less time than their full degree counterparts. As the saying goes, time is money.
Rather than spending years in school, students who choose to study in a certificate or diploma program can acquire the skills needed quickly and potentially launch a career earlier than others. This enables students to gain the basic knowledge needed to enter the field as quickly as possible and start a career, all while also spending less on tuition, books, and other fees associated with higher education.
Who Should Study in a Certificate or Diploma Program?
This might lead one to wonder who is the best candidate for a certificate or diploma program. Here are some of the best candidates:
- Students who have acquired a high school diploma or GED
- Students who are looking to build on a previously obtained degree or certification with further education in a particular subject
- Professionals who wish to expand their knowledge-base and skill set, in the hope of a promotion
- Students who wish to enter the work field as quickly as possible, at a lower expense
Benefits of an Associates Degree
On the other hand, opting for an associate degree offers various benefits of its own. For example, investing the time to complete an associate’s degree is rewarding for these students: it demonstrates the responsibility associated with acquiring a degree while also showcasing one’s commitment to gaining a deeper knowledge of the subject at hand.
Choosing to earn an associate’s degree offers advanced knowledge and education in a way that a certificate program or diploma cannot, and is not designed to. Students in an associate’s program will learn to identify various symptoms, procedures, and information related to dental hygiene, all of which will be needed to do well in an entry-level career.
An Analysis of FNU’s Programs
With so many positive benefits to consider, it might be difficult to pinpoint which program is best for an individual. Here are further details on each program:
- Dental Assistant (DA), Certificate
This program was designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as dental assistants and dental auxiliaries. Graduates of this program may apply to take the Certified Dental Assistant Examination given by the Dental Assisting National Board. Students who graduate from this program are eligible for employment as dental assistants with expanded functions and radiography skills. FNU awards a certificate upon completion of the program.
- Graduation Requirements: a minimum of 18 credits
- Courses include Dental Materials, Dental Anatomy, and Preclinical Dental Assisting Procedures
- Dental Laboratory Technician (DT), Career Education Diploma
The DT Program trains highly skilled students who design and constructs the attachments and replacements for natural teeth. Students are trained to enter the work field upon graduation.
On the job, DTs undergo tasks, such as carefully fashioning plastic and metal into a precise product. This program offers technical training and theory in the areas of full and partial dentures, along with porcelain, crown and bridge.
- Graduation Requirements: a minimum of 60 credits
- Courses include Full Dental Materials, Special Prosthesis, Partial Dentures Clinic, Crown and Bridge Clinic, and Vacuum Porcelain Procedures
Students who choose to study in this program always have the opportunity to further their education, as this program transfers completely to the Dental Laboratory Technology, Associate of Science Program.
- Dental Laboratory Technician Full and Partial Dentures (DT FPD), Career Education Diploma
This program offers technical training and theory in the areas of full and partial dentures. It serves as a great way to build upon previous education and skills. This program has certain prerequisites, and requires previous experience in a program or career related to dental laboratory technology. This program offers current laboratory techs to expand on their current knowledge, and potentially grow in their career. It is also a way to brush up on old skills. Learn more about the program and it’s prerequisites.
- Graduation Requirements: a minimum of 30 credits
- Courses include Full Dental Materials, Introduction to Full Dentures, and Partial Dentures Materials
- Dental Laboratory Technician Crown and Bridge and Porcelain (DT CBP), Career Education Diploma
This program offers technical training and theory in the areas of Crown and Bridge, and Porcelain. Again, the DT CBP serves as a great way to build upon previous skills. This program offers current laboratory techs to expand on their current knowledge, and potentially grow in their career. Learn more about the program and it’s prerequisites.
- Graduation Requirements: a minimum of 60 credits
- Courses include Dental Anatomy II, Crown and Bridge Clinic, and Glazing, Staining and Characterization Techniques
- Dental Laboratory Technology (DT) Associates of Science
This program offers technical training and theory. The program includes a fifteen credit-hour component of general education and liberal arts courses. FNU awards an Associate of Science Degree upon graduation, and students are prepared to enter the work field at this point.
- Graduation Requirements: a minimum of 79 credits (including general education courses)
- Courses include Introduction to Prosthodontics Techniques, PKT Waxing and Carving System, and Special C/B and Porcelain Prosthesis
FNU: Preparing Students Every Day
FNU wants to see you excel in whatever it is that you choose to do. Now that you know your options while considering a dental degree, it’s time to make the move. Enroll in one of our several offered campus programs, or apply to study in one of our dental programs, now!
