Guidelines, Policies and Procedures
Evaluation and Operational Policies and Procedures
The Commission has adopted a new Evaluation and Operational Policies and Procedures Manual (EOPP) which provides information about the Commission on Dental Accreditation's accreditation and operational policies and procedures for all institutions sponsoring dental, allied dental and advanced dental education programs. The manual contains background information on the Commission and its accreditation policies, as well as specific information to assist programs in attaining accreditation and in preparing for on-site reviews. This manual has been updated to reflect the August 2011 Commission actions.
If you prefer, EOPP can be sent to you by e-mailing the Commission on Dental Accreditation or by calling staff at 312-440-4653.
Policy on Accreditation of Off-Campus Sites
The Commission on Dental Accreditation must be informed when a program accredited by the Commission plans to initiate an off-campus site (a distance site and/or additional training site not located on the main campus). The Commission must be informed in writing six (6) months prior to the anticipated initiation of educational experiences at the off-campus site.
Complaint Policy
A complaint is defined by the Commission on Dental Accreditation as one alleging that a Commission-accredited educational program, or a program which has an application for initial accreditation pending, may not be in substantial compliance with Commission standards or required accreditation procedures.
- Complaint Policy (PDF)
Electronic Submission Guidelines
Effective on January 1, 2008, all accreditation materials sent to the Commission must be done so electronically.
The Policy on Electronic Submission of Accreditation Materials states that programs will provide the Commission with an electronic version of all accreditation documents/reports and related materials. These documents may include but are not limited to self-study guides, responses to site visit/progress reports, initial accreditation applications, reports of major change, transfer of sponsorship and exhibits. The Commission will provide programs with electronic submission guidelines including accepted formats. Accreditation documents/reports and related materials must be complete and comprehensive. The Commission will assess a fee of $500 per discipline self-study document and $250 per general correspondence/report (major change, increase in enrollment, transfer of sponsorship, progress report, response to site visit report, for example) to the program for converting the document to an electronic version.
- Electronic Submission of General Correspondence and Reports (PDF)
- Electronic Submission of Responses to Site Visits/Progress Reports (PDF)
- Electronic Submission of Self Study Guides (PDF)
Guidelines for Reporting a Program Change
The Commission on Dental Accreditation recognizes that education and accreditation are dynamic, not static, processes. Ongoing review and evaluation often leads to changes in an educational program. The Commission views change as part of a healthy educational process and encourages programs to make them as part of their normal operating procedures.
When changes are planned, Commission staff should be consulted to determine reporting requirements.
Changes have a direct and significant impact on the program's potential ability to comply with the accreditation standards. These changes tend to occur in the areas of finance, program administration, enrollment, curriculum and clinical/laboratory facilities, but may also occur in other areas.
The Commission must be informed of any changes that relate to an accreditation standard. The program must report such changes to the Commission in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the anticipated implementation of the change. This report must document how the program will continue to meet accreditation standards.
Guidelines for Requesting an Increase in Enrollment
The Commission on Dental Accreditation monitors increases in enrollment. An increase in enrollment must be reported to and approved by the Commission prior to implementation. Failure to comply with the policy will jeopardize the program’s accreditation status.
- Dental Public Health (PDF)
- Endodontics (PDF)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (PDF)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (PDF)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (PDF)
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (PDF)
- Pediatric Dentistry (PDF)
- Periodontics (PDF)
- Prosthodontics (PDF)
