DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR DENTAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
(DIDER)

*NEW*
Partnership with the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University

Click here for more information, a program brochure, and DIDER frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Created in statute 1981, the Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research (DIDER) traditionally has had the sole function of supporting the general practice residency program at Christiana Care Health System.  This has been and continues to be considered important because of the relatively unique requirement in the Delaware dental code that requires one year of general practice residency training as a condition of licensure to practice dentistry in Delaware.

In 2001 the administration of DIDER was placed within the offices of the Delaware Health Care Commission.  This, coupled with the expansion of its Board, has given DIDER greater ability to function in a manner that serves its broader public purposes and to function in concert with DIMER and other state health care policy activities. Prior to its placement within the Commission, for example, DIDER had no offices and received no funding for staff and supplies.

The statutory purposes of DIDER Board are to support, encourage and promote:

• Accredited general practice residencies in dentistry;
• Expansion of opportunities for Delaware residents to obtain dental education and training at all levels;
• A strengthening of the factors favoring the decision of qualified dental personnel to practice in Delaware, including, but not limited to, tools such as loan repayment programs;
• Dental needs of the community at large and particularly those who do not have ready access to dental care;
• Expansion of opportunities for Delaware residents to obtain training at a reasonable cost;
• Incentives for qualified personnel in the dental professions to practice in Delaware;
• Support of graduate and postgraduate training programs, including emphasis on those programs targeted to meet the state’s health care needs.

 

NEW: DIDER Partnership with
Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University

In 2005, the DIDER Board identified access to dental school as a key priority in achieving its mission, and began reviewing options for providing opportunities for Delawareans to attend dental school.  Using the model developed by the Delaware Institute for Medical Education and Research (DIMER), the Board conducted discussions with several dental schools in the region and Temple University emerged as the ideal partner. 

In 2006, DIDER signed an agreement with the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University which guarantees admission to six qualified students from Delaware in each entering class of dental students. This provides Delaware residents with an opportunity to receive quality education and training at a highly regarded regional dental school. The partnership also promotes opportunities for participating dental students to complete externship and residency training programs at facilities in Delaware.

Delaware residents are eligible to participate regardless of the location of their undergraduate educational institution.  Students must meet Temple University’s academic requirements and this program does not guarantee admittance.  All Delawareans who are accepted and choose to attend Temple will be automatically admitted to the DIDER program; they are not required to fill out any additional applications. 

Additionally, through the generosity of the Delaware State Legislature, DIDER will provide $75,000 each academic year for tuition stipends to be divided among the Delaware residents who attend Temple.  For the foreseeable future, each student from Delaware will receive, at a minimum, a tuition stipend of $5,000 per academic year.  Any remaining funds will be allocated based on financial need – to be determined using Temple’s financial aid formulas.  (Note: to be considered for funds based on need, students must submit the Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) form- http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.  Students will be contacted directly should they qualify for additional tuition assistance.  The tuition stipends are guaranteed for four years as long as students remain in good standing with the University.

Students interested in attending the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University should apply through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).

After receipt of the AADSAS application, Temple automatically identifies Delaware residents, which, if accepted, assures them participation in the DIDER program. Eligible participants in the DIDER program must be legal residents of the State of Delaware and meet the pre-dental academic requirements of Temple University.  

For information about Temple contact:				For information about DIDER contact:
Brian Hahn, Recruitment Coordinator Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University 3223 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19140 Phone: (215) 707-2819 E-Mail: brian.hahn@temple.edu Website: http://www.temple.edu/dentistry/				Delaware Health Care Commission Margaret O'Neill Building, Third Floor 410 Federal Street - Suite 7 Dover, DE  19901 Phone: (302) 739-2730 Website: http://www.dhcc.delaware.gov/

 

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Delaware Institute of Dental Education and Research
Board of Directors

 

Chair

Louis Rafetto, DMD
Delaware State Dental Society

Board Members

James C. Baker, DDS
Christiana Care Health System

Ryan C. Barnhart, DDS
Delaware State Dental Society

Lisa Goss, RDH, BS
Delaware Dental Hygienist Association

Brian McAllister, DDS
Higher Education Commission

Neil McAneny, DDS
Delaware State Board of Dental Examiners

Gregory McClure, DMD, MPH
Ex-Officio Delaware State Dental Director

Ray S. Rafetto, DMD
Delaware State Dental Society

Wanda Gardiner Smith, DDS
Public Representative

Last Updated: Monday, 01-Jun-2009 11:36:08 EDT