Dental Assistant

Shared Time

Apply HERE

Hazlet Location:

417 Middle Road, Hazlet 07730

Contact:

Phone: 732-264-4995
Fax: 732-264-3846

Teacher:

Mrs. Theresa Lennon

High School Program Description

This unique two-year program is designed for HIGH SCHOOL students interested in pursuing careers in the dental science field. In our state of the art dental learning lab, students are introduced to the field of dentistry and will learn about the various careers of dental assisting, dental hygiene, dental laboratory technician, dental office management, and dentistry. The students will gain a solid foundation of skills necessary to work in a dental office.

The content includes employability skills, leadership and human relations, dental and general anatomy, dental terminology, microbiology, nutrition, ethics and jurisprudence, dental office and patient management, basic dental laboratory procedures, dental instrument and equipment utilization, dental pharmacology, chairside assisting, dental office emergencies/CPR, infection control and hazard management, preventive procedures and oral health, dental specialties, and office and business administrative procedures. Students will participate in a 5-week internship at a dental office in the spring of each year.

Career Pathways

Occupational

  • Dental assistant
  • Dental hygienist
  • Dental lab technician
  • Dentist (specialties)

Program Skills And Tasks

  • Patient care skills and professionalism
  • Assist the dentist chair-side
  • Record and chart conditions of the oral cavity
  • Pour and trim models
  • Prepare instruments and materials for designated procedures
  • Prepare and mix dental cements and impression materials
  • Perform basic first aid procedures
  • Perform office procedures
  • Administer CPR—American Heart Association
  • Perform asepsis and sterilization techniques
  • Perform general office accounting procedures
  • Dental related field trips
  • Clinical Internship
  • Community service
  • Leadership activities HOSA
  • Demonstrate proper safety techniques according to OSHA/CDC guidelines

Important Qualities

Detail oriented: Dental professionals must follow specific rules and protocols to help dentists treat a patient.

Interpersonal skills: Dental professionals must work closely with dentists and patients. Sometimes patients are in extreme pain or mental stress, and the assistant must be sensitive to their emotions.

Listening skills: Dental professionals must have good listening skills. They need to follow directions from a dentist or dental hygienist so they can help treat patients and do tasks such as taking an x ray.

Organizational skills: Dental professionals must have excellent organizational skills. They should have the correct tools in place for a dentist or dental hygienist to use when treating patients.

Continuing Education

  • Brookdale Community College
  • Caldwell College
  • Drew University
  • Monmouth University
  • Rutgers University
  • University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ

High School Credits Earned

Level 1
Dental Assisting 110 credits
CTE Math I5 credits
ICTE Science I5 credits

Level 2
Dental Assisting 210 credits
CTE Math II5 credits
ICTE Science II5 credits

TOTAL:40 Credits

College Credits Earned

Health Science Careers program at UMDNJ:
Dynamics of Health Care in Society3 credits
Medical Emergencies in Dental Office1 credit
Practice Management1 credit

TOTAL:5 Credits

*UMDNJ–MUST take & pass challenge exams for credit.

Certificates Upon Graduation

MCVSD Program Certificate
Certified in CPR American Heart Association

Additional Information

NJ AVERAGE WAGES- $37,390
Dental Assistant National Board
American Dental Association