About Us
​The Institute of Dental Assisting was founded in 1992 by Dr. Jim Shipley in Middleton, WI. For the past 29 years the school has provided professional and modern training to over 500 students. Currently the school operates two sessions each year, spring and fall, consisting of 10 consecutive saturday classes. The school began in Dr. Shipley’s private dental practice, Distinctive Dentistry, and is now located in the brand new offices of Greenway Family Dental. Students are given the opportunity to shadow and observe as part of their training. Graduates are ready to start their new careers immediately after completion of the course.
Dental Assisting 101 is offered through The Institute of Dental Assisting. This is an 80 hour course, meeting one day per week for ten weeks that is designed to prepare the student for an entry-level position as a chair-side dental assistant.​ Over the past 27 years, we have trained over 500 dental assistants and helped them start their careers.
Meet Our Staff
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Dr. Jim Shipley
Founder/Instructor
Dr. Shipley has been creating beautifully memorable smiles throughout the Middleton area for five decades. His extensive experience and proven expertise in the areas of advanced cosmetic dentistry and high-tech general dentistry make him a sought after clinician and case consultant. He is a graduate of Marquette school of Dentistry and founder of the Institute of Dental Assisting in Middleton, Wisconsin.
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Dr. April Tressler
Owner/Instructor
Originally from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Dr. April Tressler blazed a remarkable path on her way to becoming a dentist. She began by attending the highly selective United States Military Academy at West Point, where she graduated with a degree in Psychology and Nuclear Engineering. Graduation was followed by five years on active duty in the Naval nuclear power program. After serving her country, she went on to complete her dental training at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Tressler is glad to be back in her home state serving patients after three years of providing dental care in Cape May, New Jersey.
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Dr. April loves to teach and mentor. She is excited to continue with the strong education history of the Institute of Dental Assisting into 2021 and beyond.