Program Admissions

Applying to the CDA program

To be eligible to apply you must first be fully admitted to IU Fort Wayne. Admission to the CDA program is limited to students selected by the CDA Program Admissions Committee. Applications and required documentation are reviewed and class selection is determined following the priority application date each year. The CDA program begins each August and completes the following June.

Step 1: Apply to IU Fort Wayne

Admission to IU Fort Wayne is the first step. Complete the IU Fort Wayne undergraduate application. Official transcripts from high schools and colleges attended must be provided. An IU Student Identification Number is needed to complete the application for the assisting program later. The IU Fort Wayne deadline for fall applications is August 1; yet, students are encouraged to apply no later than March 1 to be fully eligible for institutional aid. Eligibility for CDA program application selection can only occur after university acceptance.

Apply to IU Fort Wayne

Step 2: Apply to the CDA program

The priority application deadline is June 15th of each year. Program applications received after this date will be considered until the admission cohort is filled. (Students must apply and be accepted to IU Fort Wayne prior to submitting the program application as your IU student ID number is required on the program application.)

Official high school transcripts, and/or college, university, or vocational program transcripts must be submitted along with the program application if they have not already been sent directly to IU Fort Wayne. If applicable, submit a copy of TASC scores or GED certificate and scores. Final official transcripts for all academic work completed must be reviewed by the CDA program before a program admission decision can be made.

Download the application

Program admission criteria

The CDA Program Admissions Committee reviews all qualified applications and evaluates English, Science and Cumulative grade point averages (GPA). Applicants must have completed at least two courses in English and two courses in Life Sciences to be considered for evaluation. Furthermore, the applicant must have earned a GPA of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in their English coursework and in their Science coursework.

Both high school and college GPAs (English, Science, and Cumulative) are considered and evaluated equally; applicants are then ranked by GPA. The Admissions Committee members will review applicant information by the end of June.

Common courses accepted in English: English Composition, Literature, Etymology, Speech, Medical Terminology, Latin, and Journalism course work. 

Common courses accepted in the Life Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology as a Biological Science. 

Once you've been accepted

Once admitted to the dental assisting program, but before starting classes, you must complete the following:

  • Proof of immunizations or immunity - MMR, TDaP, Varicella, Influenza
  • Hepatitis B Titer Testing – with official laboratory printout containing the numerical values for HBV immunity
  • Tuberculosis Screening via Two-step Tuberculin Skin Test. Date and time must be recorded; results must be recorded in millimeters; and documentation signed by a certified medical professional
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Course for healthcare professionals (includes AED training)

    • Course must be taken in-person and include a hands-on exam

  • Mandatory program and course orientations – date and time of the orientations will be provided to students upon acceptance
  • Criminal background check (completed online). Instructions to be provided at orientation. This must be completed by the applicant and verified by our Division of Allied Dental Education office before fall semester starts.

Disclosure for applicants

Information on Bloodborne and Infectious Diseases

Submit your application

Please submit completed application with all required documentation to the Division of Allied Dental Education.


Attention: CDA - Application
Indiana University  School of Dentistry - Fort Wayne
Division of Allied Dental Education
2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Neff 150
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499

Questions or need help?

Please contact the IU Fort Wayne CDA program if you have questions regarding the application process or criteria for acceptance at 260.257.6819.