Exploring the most effective instructional practices to support student success in the bilingual dental assistant program

Rodriguez, Maria Cristina Bilingual education is an effective and inclusive method of teaching within U.S. higher education. The dental field is particularly in need of bilingual inclusivity. The best instructional practices in the delivery of a non-certified bilingual dental assistant diploma program have yet to be formalized. By exploring these practices in an urban Midwestern technical college, it is possible to create a model program that can be implemented in other schools. Interviews and surveys revealed that the most essential components of a bilingual program are: terminology class, didactic English class, hands-on experience, clinicals, and culture. The data collected also demonstrated 100% job placement—all the graduates found a job after graduation. The results also suggest the materials should be presented in both languages, English and Spanish. The college examined in this study is planning to offer the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certificate; the implications of offering it in a bilingual format are still under discussion. By establishing the standard of a bilingual program at the college, it can be easier and more proficient to provide bilingual education. This bilingual education will help students to become proficient in Spanish and English. A student needs to be proficient to read, write, and speak English regardless of their English fluency when they start the program.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Rodriguez, Maria Cristina

• Education, Bilingual
• Dental assistants--Education
• Dental assistants--Training of

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/921

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:921