OTC’s dental hybrid program prepared for online

Ozarks Technical Community College’s dental assisting hybrid program is ready to roll out and offer a new learning avenue for the non-traditional student looking for a new career.

The blended program was made possible by the state of Missouri’s Training for Tomorrow grant, which was designed to get people back to work and give workers new skills they need for better employment.

Scheduled to begin in the January 2012 spring semester, the program will offer all traditional lecture courses online and on campus hands-on skills training as the students work their way toward a dental assisting certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting. In addition, the required 300 hours of clinical experience is obtained under the guidance of area dentists.

“We hope to attract potential students who want to be a dental assistant but feel they cannot attend a traditional classroom setting due to family responsibilities and/or being employed. This is also an opportunity for those who are already in the dental field but haven’t had any formal dental education to achieve their certificate,” said Ida Guynn, OTC’s dental programs instructor who developed the online program.

The hybrid program is designed in eight-week blocks within three semesters. The instruction will involve online course activities, and the students are required to come to campus during the eight-week block sessions to complete hands-on skills training.

Tamela Massey, office administrator for Dr. Jerry Cash and a member of OTC’s Dental Advisory Board, said there are two big benefits for offering the hybrid program.

“Obviously, there is turnover and this is a way of getting more people into the community to fill those jobs,” she said. “Plus, it will give people who are working an opportunity to have a career and allow them to work and get an education at the same time.”

Applications are being accepted through Oct. 15. For more information, go to http://www.otc.edu/alliedhealth/13457.php or call the Allied Health office at (417) 447-8954.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of publications for Ozarks Technical Community College. Contact him at koehlers@otc.edu.