Date of Graduation

1996

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

To assist U.S. dental schools/colleges in meeting the mandates of the ADA, this study examined the key findings in relevant court cases, explored accommodations that are being made by dental programs, investigated barriers encountered when providing accommodations, and gathered data on admission policies, criteria and procedures. In 1995 a mail survey of all U.S. dental schools/colleges was conducted (N = 54). Forty-five completed questionnaires were returned, yielding 83 percent response. Six dental programs have adopted technical standards. The major skill areas addressed in each of these documents are communication; observation; intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative; behavioral and emotional; and motor abilities. Twenty-nine schools have accommodated dental students with disabilities. The reported cost for accommodations ranged from no cost to over {dollar}100,000. Accommodation expenses are borne by dental schools, shared between dental schools and parent institutions or funded solely by the parent institution or other sources. A limited number of dental programs have encountered barriers when providing accommodations. Five admissions committees receive training on ADA requirements. In most instances the described training process is cursory. An applicant's disability is considered in the pre-admission stage by seven admission committees. Less than one-half (44 percent) of the admissions committees defer consideration of a disability until post-admission. An admissions model for dental applicants with disabilities was developed using the research findings. The model provides a guide for appropriate committee actions when disability information is revealed in the pre-admission, admission or post-admission stages by either the applicant, person providing a letter of recommendation or observation during the personal interview. Schematically outlined in the latter component of the model is a protocol to consider when an individual's disability is an issue following matriculation. To ensure compliance with ADA legislation, dental admissions committees must consistently adhere to admission criteria, policies and procedures when evaluating all applicants. Furthermore, it behooves admissions committee members to engage in training on ADA requirements. These sessions should include case scenarios on admission of applicants with disabilities and review of appropriate inquiries during a personal interview.

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