Do employers value online dental degrees the same as traditional ones

Okay, so I’m considering going back to school to become a dentist. The problem is, my current job is pretty demanding and I can’t really just quit and attend a traditional dental program full-time. I’ve seen some ads for online dental degree programs, and they seem really appealing because of the flexibility.

But…are they actually any good? Would graduating from an online dental program hurt my chances of getting hired later on? Specifically, I’m wondering if dental practices, hospitals, or even DSOs would look down on a degree earned online compared to one from a traditional, in-person dental school.

I’m particularly concerned about the hands-on component. How do online programs even handle clinical experience? Would that be a red flag for employers? Does the reputation of the dental school, whether it’s online or brick-and-mortar, even matter? Are there specific online programs that are more reputable than others in the dental field? Basically, I want to know if pursuing a dental degree online is a viable option, or if I’m just wasting my time and money. Has anyone had any experience with this, either as a graduate of an online program or as someone who hires dentists? Any insights would be hugely appreciated!

Answer

The perception and value of online dental degrees by employers are complex and not universally positive. Currently, completely online dental degrees (meaning both the didactic and clinical components are delivered online) are generally not valued the same as traditional, in-person dental degrees. This is due to a number of factors, primarily related to accreditation, the nature of clinical training, and perceived competency.

Here’s a breakdown of the reasons why and the nuances involved:

1. Accreditation:

• The CODA Standard: In the United States, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the only accrediting body for dental schools. CODA accreditation is essential for graduates to be eligible to take national and regional board examinations, and subsequently, to obtain licensure to practice dentistry. To date, CODA has not accredited any completely online dental programs.
• Impact of Non-Accreditation: Without CODA accreditation (or its equivalent in other countries), a dental degree is unlikely to be recognized for licensure purposes. Employers, therefore, wouldn’t be able to hire a graduate who is not legally allowed to practice dentistry. This is the most significant barrier.
• Future Possibilities: The landscape of education is constantly evolving. While currently no fully online programs are accredited, it is theoretically possible that CODA (or other international accreditation bodies) could develop standards for online or hybrid dental education in the future. However, this would require significant changes in how clinical competence is assessed and ensured.

2. Clinical Experience and Competency:

• Hands-On Training is Paramount: Dentistry is a highly skill-based profession. The development of fine motor skills, diagnostic abilities, and the ability to perform complex procedures requires extensive hands-on training in a clinical setting. Traditional dental schools provide this through supervised practice on patients, simulations, and laboratory work.
• Challenges of Replicating Clinical Experience Online: It is very difficult, if not impossible with current technology and standards, to replicate the clinical experience needed for dentistry in a purely online environment. While simulations can play a role in training, they cannot fully substitute for working with real patients and managing the complexities of a dental practice.
• Employer Concerns: Employers are naturally concerned about the clinical competence of new graduates. Graduates of unaccredited online programs might lack the practical skills and confidence that employers seek. Employers often rely on the reputation of dental schools and their accreditation status as indicators of the quality of education and the preparedness of graduates.

3. Employer Perceptions:

• Stigma Associated with Online Degrees: Although online education has become more mainstream, there can still be a perception among some employers that online degrees are less rigorous or of lower quality than traditional degrees. This perception can be stronger for professions like dentistry, where hands-on training is critical.
• Networking and Mentorship: Traditional dental schools provide opportunities for students to network with faculty, practicing dentists, and other students. These connections can be invaluable for finding job opportunities and receiving mentorship early in a career. Online programs may struggle to provide the same level of networking and mentorship opportunities.
• Professional Reputation: The reputation of a dental school can influence an employer’s perception of a graduate. Established dental schools with long histories and strong alumni networks often carry more weight with employers. Online programs, particularly new ones, may not have the same level of recognition or reputation.

4. Licensure Requirements:

• Varying State Regulations: Dental licensure requirements vary by state or country. However, almost all jurisdictions require graduation from an accredited dental school as a prerequisite for licensure.
• Board Examinations: Passing national and regional dental board examinations is also required for licensure. Eligibility for these exams typically depends on graduation from an accredited program.
• Limited Job Opportunities: Without licensure, a graduate cannot practice dentistry independently. Job opportunities would be extremely limited and might include roles in research, sales, or administration within the dental field, but would not involve direct patient care.

In Summary:

For the foreseeable future, a completely online dental degree is unlikely to be valued the same as a traditional dental degree by employers due to accreditation issues, concerns about clinical competency, and the legal requirement of licensure. The emphasis in dentistry is on hands-on experience and rigorous clinical training, and this is extremely challenging to replicate effectively in a purely online environment under current standards.