Career Descripton
Dental assistants work at chairside while dentists examine and treat patients. Dental assistants make patients comfortable in the chair, prepare them for treatment, obtain dental records, and hand the dentist the proper instruments. Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments, prepare dental tray setups, and instruct patients in post-operative and general health care. In addition, dental assistants prepare impressions and restorative materials, expose radiographs and process dental x-ray film.

Program Information (See Academic Program Guide)
The Dental Assisting Program provides the student with the specific skills that qualify graduates for a career in dental assisting. The program prepares the student to take the state radiology examination. It also allows the student to qualify for national certification and state registration without a two-year work experience requirement. State registration permits the dental assistant to perform expanded intraoral procedures as outlined by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry.
Students who have completed the dental assisting certificate program are eligible to continue their studies at the College and earn an associate in applied science degree.

Continuing Education
The Dental Department also offers continuing education courses in dental radiology, expanded functions and certification preparation. These courses are open to working dental assistants.

More information can be found in the continuing education course offerings section of our Web site.

Accreditation
The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-2719 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Special Admission Requirements

In addition to the regular admissions requirements required of all College students, the Dental Assisting applicant must also meet these requirements:

-Students must present proof of graduation from an approved secondary school or equivalent.
-Students must interview with the program coordinator.
-Students must attain and show proof of current CPR certification prior to supervised clinic experience.
-A physical exam, various immunizations and proof of health insurance will be required to the beginning of class. the department has an extensive exposure control /infectious disease policy, which is available upon request.
-The College Placement test is required of all students. Under the open admissions policy, all students who apply to Camden County College are accepted; however, admission into selective programs may be limited by specific criteria and availability of clinic space.

Upon completion of the one-year program, students receive a certificate from Camden County College. They are eligible to take both the Certification Examination for Dental Assistants (CDA) and the Radiologic Licensure Examination. Upon successful completion of the Certification Examination, the student will then be eligible for New Jersey State Registration.

For further information, contact Mrs. Sandra Rodier, dental assisting coordinator at (856) 227- 7200, ext. 4471.

Questions or comments? Contact rmedinger@camdencc.edu