How do employers view graduates from online dental programs?

Okay, so I’m seriously considering pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, but the idea of relocating and spending four years in a traditional brick-and-mortar school is really daunting financially and logistically. I’ve seen a few online DDS programs popping up, and the flexibility is super appealing.

But here’s my big concern: are these programs legitimate in the eyes of potential employers? Will I even be able to get a job after graduating? I’m worried about investing a ton of time and money only to find that my degree is basically worthless.

Specifically, I’m wondering:

• Do employers generally view online dental programs as being as rigorous or well-regarded as traditional dental schools?
• Are there certain online programs that are more reputable than others? If so, how can I identify them?
• What are the potential drawbacks of having an online dental degree when it comes to finding a job, like in private practice or public health?
• Are there any specific licensing requirements that might make it difficult to practice after graduating from an online program (different states, etc.)?
• Has anyone had a direct experience (either hiring someone or being hired) with someone who graduated from an online DDS program? What was that experience like?
• How do residencies view applications from graduates of online programs?

Basically, I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons of online dental education and need to understand how it will impact my career prospects. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer

Employers generally view graduates from online dental programs with caution and often skepticism due to the fundamental nature of dental education and practice. The primary reasons for this skepticism stem from concerns about the quality and comprehensiveness of hands-on clinical training, the accreditation of online programs, and the limitations of virtual learning environments in developing essential psychomotor skills.

Here’s a breakdown of the specific areas of concern:

1. Lack of Hands-On Clinical Experience:

• Dentistry is a highly practical profession demanding extensive hands-on experience. Traditional dental programs involve thousands of hours of clinical practice, working directly with patients under the supervision of experienced faculty. These experiences include:
  • Performing a wide range of dental procedures (e.g., fillings, crowns, extractions, root canals).
  • Managing diverse patient cases with varying levels of complexity.
  • Developing diagnostic skills through physical examination and interpretation of radiographs.
  • Learning proper infection control protocols.
  • Developing patient communication and management skills.
• Online programs, by their very nature, struggle to replicate this depth of hands-on training. While some might incorporate simulated experiences or require students to seek out clinical placements, these alternatives are often viewed as inadequate substitutes for the structured and closely supervised clinical environment of a traditional dental school.
• Employers worry that graduates of online programs may lack the practical competence and confidence needed to perform routine dental procedures safely and effectively. This lack of confidence can translate to longer appointment times, higher risk of complications, and ultimately, dissatisfied patients.

2. Accreditation Concerns:

• The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the recognized accrediting body for dental education programs in the United States. CODA accreditation signifies that a program meets rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty, facilities, and clinical training.
• As of the current date, there are no fully online dental schools accredited by CODA in the United States. If a program lacks CODA accreditation, employers may question the quality and validity of the education received. Graduates of non-accredited programs may face significant challenges in obtaining licensure and employment.
• Accreditation ensures standardization of curriculum, which is difficult to achieve via online means.

3. Psychomotor Skill Development:

• Dentistry requires highly refined psychomotor skills – the ability to coordinate hand movements with visual input and tactile feedback. These skills are developed through repetitive practice and precise manipulation of dental instruments.
• Online programs may struggle to provide the same level of direct supervision and feedback necessary for developing these skills effectively. It’s difficult to assess a student’s technique remotely and provide real-time corrections.
• Employers are concerned that graduates of online programs may have difficulty mastering the fine motor skills required for procedures such as tooth preparation, root canal instrumentation, and surgical procedures.

4. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

• Dental practice is governed by strict regulations and ethical guidelines. Traditional dental programs emphasize these aspects of the profession, teaching students about their legal and ethical responsibilities to patients.
• Employers need to be confident that their employees have a solid understanding of these principles.

5. Concerns About the Learning Environment:

• The collaborative learning environment of a traditional dental school fosters teamwork, communication, and professional development. Students learn from each other, participate in group projects, and build relationships with faculty and mentors.
• Online programs may not be able to replicate this sense of community and collaboration. The lack of face-to-face interaction can hinder the development of essential interpersonal skills.

6. State Licensing Requirements:

• Dental licensure is regulated at the state level. Each state has its own requirements for eligibility, including graduation from an accredited dental school and successful completion of clinical examinations.
• Graduates of unaccredited online programs may not be eligible to sit for licensure exams in many states. This severely limits their employment opportunities.

7. Perceptions and Bias:

• Even if an online program could overcome all the practical challenges, graduates might still face negative perceptions and bias from employers who value the traditional dental school experience.
• Some employers may view online degrees as less rigorous or prestigious than traditional degrees, regardless of the actual quality of the education.

In summary, while online learning has made significant strides in many fields, dentistry remains a profession where hands-on clinical training and direct supervision are paramount. Employers generally view graduates from online dental programs with skepticism due to concerns about the lack of practical experience, accreditation issues, and the limitations of virtual learning in developing essential skills. These concerns can translate into challenges in securing employment and obtaining licensure. These concerns are significant enough that CODA has not accredited any fully online programs to date.