Login

UNM-Gallup dental assisting program expanding

Print

Staff Reports

The dental assisting program at the University of New Mexico-Gallup is expanding to include additional evening and weekend options for students who are unable to commit to a traditional fulltime class schedule.

Beginning in the 2019 spring semester, the dental assisting program will pilot course offerings during evening hours which will let students take a slower approach to completing program requirements or allow for a skills refresher for those already employed in the dental field.

According to Gayle Woodcock, dental assisting program director, “Our regular certificate program requires one year of full-time study which doesn’t always work for every student. We are offering this new pilot program beginning in January as an option for students who may not be able to attend classes full-time. Two introductory courses will be offered this spring, neither of which will require prerequisites.”

“This trial schedule,” Woodcock said, “will offer classes on Monday and Thursday evenings during the spring semester. Students can enroll in either one or both classes and see how they do.”

While students still have the option of taking the full-time traditional schedule of classes, the expanded offerings provide an alternate route for students who have full-time jobs or other commitments and require more flexibility.

The program is also offered as an option for students who have work experience in dental assisting but would like to enhance their academic and clinical skills to prepare for the Dental Assisting National Board. Successful completion of the national boards is required to become a Certified Dental Assistant.

The UNM-Gallup dental assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. UNM-Gallup’s program is only one of five accredited programs in New Mexico.

For more information about the program, please contact Gayle Woodcock at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (505) 863-7515.

Share/Save/Bookmark