12-31-01
PENN STATE BEHREND AND TEMPLE DENTAL SCHOOL
SIGN AFFILIATION AGREEMENT
Penn State Erie, The
Behrend College, and Temple University School of Dentistry, located in
Philadelphia, have signed an agreement that will create an accelerated
program leading students to the baccalaureate and doctor of dental
medicine (D.M.D.) degrees. The program will begin with the 2002-2003
academic year.
"The major impetus for developing this
affiliation is the shortage of dental care providers in the rural areas
of Pennsylvania," said Dr. James T. Warren, assistant professor of
biology at Penn State Behrend, who will serve as coordinator of the
joint program. "When Temple approached us, we learned, for example,
that Forest County has one dentist to serve a population of 5,000. There
is a very real need to increase the number of dentists working in
Pennsylvania."
"This affiliation allows our pre-professional
biology students to move directly into a major dental school at the end
of their junior year," said Dr. Roger Knacke, director of the School
of Science at Penn State Behrend. "Because it's a three-plus-four
program, it also saves students one year's tuition in the total cost
of their education. "
Students choosing this option will attend Penn State Behrend for the first three years and take no fewer than 103 credits, with specific credits required in biology, chemistry, and physics. They must take the Dental Admission Test no later than October of their junior year and meet required program scores.
Students admitted to the program may receive their baccalaureate degree from Penn State Behrend at the end of their first year at Temple, providing they have completed 21 science credits from the School of Dentistry.
"This program is a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Warren. "In addition to helping meet the statewide need for increased dental care, this program provides Penn State Behrend students with the opportunity for a very rewarding career."
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Contact: Loretta Brandon
(814) 898-6063 (O)
(814) 864-9922 (H)
e-mail: lzb6@psu.edu