Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the relationship between DIDER and Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University?

   In 2006, DIDER and the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, made an agreement through which financial support is provided to Temple in exchange for six reserved admission slots in each entering class. In 2009, the partnership with Temple University was modified and guarantees admission to five qualified students from Delaware in its entering class of dental students. This provides Delaware residents with an opportunity to receive a 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.

   Eligible applicants must be legal residents of Delaware and meet the pre-dental academic requirements of the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University.

2. Can Temple accept more than five students from Delaware?

   The arrangement with DIDER does not limit Temple to five students from Delaware. There have been years when more students have been accepted than the number of approved admission slots and all of the students participate in the DIDER program. All admissions decisions are made solely by Temple University – DIDER has no bearing on which students from Delaware are accepted.

3. Are there opportunities through the DIDER program for tuition assistance?

   Yes – Through the generosity of the Delaware State Legislature, DIDER will provide funding annually to each academic class to be divided among the Delaware residents attending Temple through this agreement. Each student from Delaware will receive a minimum of $1,000 per academic year as long as the student remains in good standing with the University and are contingent upon available funding. Any remaining funds will be allocated based on financial need. In order to be considered for need-based funds students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms: www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

4. Does DIDER have a similar relationship with any other dental schools?

   Not at this time.

5. How do I apply to the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University?

   Apply to Temple 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. Students do not need to complete a separate form or application to participate in the DIDER program.

   AADSAS
   1400 K Street NW, Suite 1100
   Washington, DC 20005
   Customer Service: 202-289-8123 or 800-353-2237
   www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Pages/default.aspx

6. Do I need to be admitted to the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University before I can apply for the tuition stipend through DIDER?

   Once accepted at Temple students will be identified as a Delaware resident and automatically enrolled in DIDER program. They will receive details about the tuition stipend in the mail after they have confirmed an intent to attend Temple. In order to be considered for the need-based tuition stipend students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms: www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

7. How many students will be chosen to receive a tuition stipend?

   All students from Delaware in an entering class at Temple will receive a minimum of $1,000 per year. This applies even if more than five students are accepted in a given year.

8. What is the cost of tuition at Temple University? 

   Tuition at Temple for a full-time, out-of-state student is $56,040 for the 2013-2014 academic school year. The agreement between DIDER and Temple does not grant Delaware students in-state tuition rates.

9. How much money is provided through the tuition stipends?

   For the foreseeable future, and through the generosity of the Delaware State Legislature, DIDER will provide funding annually to each entering academic class to be divided among the Delaware residents attending Temple. All students from Delaware in an entering class at Temple will receive a minimum of $1,000 per year.

10. Are tuition stipends awarded for one year or are they guaranteed for all four years?

    A minimum of $1,000 is guaranteed for four years as long as the student remains in good standing with Temple University and are contingent upon available funding. Additional amounts based on need are re-determined annually. Students will be notified prior to the start of each academic year regarding their financial award.

11. If I accept a tuition stipend, are there commitments I will have to fulfill when I complete my degree and am ready to practice dentistry?

    There is no requirement, but students are encouraged to return and practice dentistry in Delaware. Information will be made available regarding the excellent opportunities to complete externships, residencies and establish dental practices in Delaware.

12. How and when are the funds for tuition stipends dispersed?

    Funds will be sent from DIDER directly to Temple University on the students’ behalf before the beginning of each academic year.

13. How will I know if I have received a tuition stipend?

    Once a student is accepted to Temple he/she will automatically be notified about the DIDER program. Details about tuition stipends will be mailed prior to the start of each academic year.

14. Are there externship programs or residencies for dental students at facilities in Delaware?

    Yes.  In order to be licensed in Delaware you must complete a year-long dental residency.

    For more information about the general practice residency program contact:

    Susan M. Pugliese, D.D.S.
    Director, General Practice Dentistry Residency Program
    Wilmington Hospital, Room 2234
    Wilmington, Delaware 19899
    Phone: (302) 428-6468
    Email: gpr.residency@christianacare.org
    Website: https://www.christianacare.org/GeneralPracticeDentistry

    Daniel J. Meara, M.D., D.M.D.
    Director, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program
    Wilmington Hospital
    P.O. Box 1668
    Wilmington, Delaware 19899
    Phone: (302) 428-6458
    E-mail: oms.residency@christianacare.org
    Website: www.christianacare.org/OralMaxillofacialSurgery

    
    For information about DIDER and/or its partnership with Temple contact:

    Delaware Health Care Commission
    Margaret O'Neill Building, Third Floor
    410 Federal Street - Suite 7
    Dover, DE  19901
    Phone: (302) 739-2730
    Website: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dhcc/

    
    For information about the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University 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
    Email: brian.hahn@temple.edu
    Website: www.temple.edu/dentistry/