Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) Or Ivy Tech Community College Dental Assistant Progam
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) Or Ivy Tech Community College Dental Assistant Progam
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) and Ivy Tech Community College, two institutions offering Dental Assistant programs, but with different formats, reputations, and educational models. This guide is intended to help prospective students make a well-informed decision based on location, learning preferences, cost, and career goals.
1. Accreditation and Institutional Standing
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which specializes in accrediting career-focused healthcare programs. While ABHES accreditation is legitimate and allows for federal financial aid, it is not considered as academically transferable as regional accreditation.
Ivy Tech Community College, by contrast, is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Regional accreditation is the gold standard in U.S. higher education and is more widely recognized by four-year universities and employers. Ivy Tech’s dental assisting program is also CODA-accredited (Commission on Dental Accreditation), which is critical for students who want to become certified dental assistants (CDA) or pursue Expanded Functions Dental Assisting credentials.
Verdict: For those seeking broad recognition, transferability of credits, and eligibility for national certification exams, Ivy Tech holds the advantage.
2. Program Structure and Curriculum
UMA offers both a diploma and an associate degree in dental assisting. The diploma track can typically be completed in about 10 months, while the associate degree may take around 18 to 20 months. UMA’s coursework combines online learning modules with in-person externships arranged at dental offices across the country. This format is convenient for adult learners or those with busy schedules. The curriculum includes basic chairside assisting, radiography, infection control, and administrative tasks.
Ivy Tech provides an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Assisting, usually completed in two years, including summer semesters. The program is hands-on and campus-based, requiring students to attend labs, lectures, and clinical rotations at affiliated dental facilities. The curriculum follows CODA standards, which means students are eligible to sit for the national CDA exam administered by DANB (Dental Assisting National Board).
Verdict: If you’re looking for a fast-track and remote-friendly program, UMA is ideal. But if you prefer a fully immersive, in-depth experience with strong professional certification outcomes, Ivy Tech is superior.
3. Learning Format and Campus Experience
UMA is best suited for students who need flexibility. The hybrid model (online coursework + local externships) enables students to learn from home while gaining hands-on skills in real-world dental offices. However, it requires self-discipline and time management skills. UMA does not have traditional campus life, and students are often spread across the country.
Ivy Tech, as Indiana’s public community college system, offers a traditional classroom environment. Students are assigned to local campuses with access to laboratories, in-person instructors, and on-site dental clinics. This format is ideal for those who thrive in a structured, community-based academic environment. Students often build stronger peer and mentor relationships through in-person interaction.
Verdict: Choose UMA for remote learning and flexibility. Choose Ivy Tech for a community-driven, hands-on experience .
Dental assisting offers job security, steady income, and healthcare benefits—and it can be a great stepping stone to more advanced roles that do cross the $100K threshold.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a real, stable, and respected career—not just a quick way into the workforce—becoming a licensed dental assistant is the way to go. And when it comes to training, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
