Employment of dental assistants is expected to grow by 31% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Brookdale offers both the Dental Assistant and Dental Radiology Programs. Students are encouraged to take both programs to be the most marketable in this field.
Job Description
Dental assistants have many tasks, ranging from patient care to record keeping, in a dental office. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work.
Duties typically include:
- Work with patients to make them comfortable in the dental chair, and to prepare them for treatments and procedures
- Sterilize dental instruments
- Prepare the work area for patient treatment by setting out instruments and materials
- Help dentists by handing them instruments during procedures
- Keep patients’ mouths dry by using suction hoses or other equipment
- Instruct patients in proper dental hygiene
- Keep records of dental treatments
- Schedule patient appointments
- Work with patients on billing and payment
Dental Assistant
Get the entry-level skills needed to work in a dental office. Students will learn how to work closely with the dentist and hygienist as a member of the team and to assume the overall responsibilities of a dental assistant.
Areas Of Study: Introduction to dentistry, overview of dental assisting, terminology, procedures and materials, and front office management. 72 HOURS.
Prerequisite: Copy of high school diploma or GED.
Note: Textbook required. Hand-out distributed in class. 85% attendance required.
Sec 1: Tues & Wed, Dec 12-Mar 7, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. No Class Dec 26 & Dec 27 • Brookdale at Hazlet
Sec 2: Tues & Wed, Mar 20-Jun 6, 6:30 – 9:30 pm • Brookdale at Hazlet
Laboratory: Shrewsbury Pediatric Dentistry
Fee and Code: $999, XMEDD 001
Dental Radiologic Technology
This program Is approved by the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board Of Examiners.
Now includes Dental Assisting National Board’s Radiation Health and Safety Examination
Learn to become a DENTAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST. This course is approved by the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners and now includes Dental Assisting National Board’s Radiation Health and Safety Examination. Students can locate their own dental offices that are willing to provide this clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed dentist, licensed dental hygienist or licensed x-ray technologist. Otherwise Brookdale will provide potential clinical sites for students. The instructor will provide an explanation of the clinical requirements along with necessary paperwork to be completed by the chosen office.
Certificates of Completion will be issued upon successful completion of all components and the return of the radiation badge. After passing the Dental Assisting National Board’s Radiation Health and Safety Examination and submitting a license application and becoming a New Jersey licensed Dental Radiologic Technologist, you will be permitted to use the credential, LRT(D).
Prerequisites (Instructions to access prerequisite forms will be mailed to you upon registration):
- NJ requires that students must attest, in writing, to their good moral character
- Dental Assistant Program or equivalent experience
- Note: Textbook and 100% attendance are required.
Documentation and required forms must be submitted by Jan 3, 2018.
Class and Lab: Wed, Jan 17-Apr 25, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Scheduled makeup days; May 2 & May 9 • Brookdale at Hazlet
Laboratory: Shrewsbury Pediatric Dentistry
Student status meeting: Jun 6, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Clinical requirements must be completed by Jun 29 2018
Exam: TBD
Fee and Code: $1159 (includes exam and radiation badge), XMEDD 002
No online registration available.
Dental Radiology Scholarships
Brookdale has received a S.M.I.L.E. Mini-Grant from the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. The purpose of the grant is provide five, need-based $500 scholarships for the Dental Radiology Technology program this spring. Look for the application at https://www.brookdalecc.edu/advancement/brookdale-foundation/available-scholarships/ Deadline for application is December 8.