Dental Assisting: Introduction

All General Education Credits may not be acceptable for transfer. Therefore, Applicants must contact the affiliate college directly to determine the residency credit requirements for the number of general education credits which must be taken at that college.

Keystone testing is required as a part of the admissions process. For information, please contact the affiliate institution.

The affiliates maintain policies which outline residency requirements regarding transfer credits. Students taking pre-requisite courses will be required to register for the following number of credits at the designated affiliate institutions:

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New Jersey Dental School	Scotch Plains Dental Suite

Director: Carolyn Breen, Ed.D., RDH, RDA

The UMDNJ Dental Assisting Program prepares the student for work as a valuable member of the dental health care team and for diverse career opportunities. In order to expose students to the most modern equipment and advanced treatment techniques, the facilities of the UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School and the SHRP Scotch Plains Dental Suite are utilized. Prospective dental assisting students must possess manual dexterity, good vision, and optimal oral and personal hygiene habits.

The Dental Assistant's Scope of Practice

The dental assistant's scope of responsibilities are determined by educational preparation, type of practice and the laws of the state in which one is employed. Chairside dental assisting duties include preparing the patient for treatment, sterilizing and selecting instruments, assembling materials and equipment, organizing the work area, assisting the dentist in all phases of treatment, exposing, processing and mounting dental radiographs, providing instruction in oral hygiene and nutrition, and performing a variety of intraoral expanded functions. Other responsibilities include office management duties, which include scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records and financial accounts, preparing insurance forms, collecting payments, and ordering and maintaining supplies. Dental assistants also perform laboratory procedures such as pouring impressions, trimming study models, fabricating custom trays and preparing base plates and bite rims.

Expanded Functions

The New Jersey Dental Auxiliaries Act of 1979 provides for the extension of the functions normally performed by dental assistants to include additional intraoral procedures that can be legally performed. Examples of these duties include cementing of crowns, taking preliminary for study models impressions and performing some orthodontic functions. The teaching of expanded functions is an integral component of the UMDNJ curriculum which leads to employment opportunities in diverse practice settings. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination. Once a CDA, the graduate is automatically eligible for the New Jersey RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) credential upon passing the Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination administered by the Board of Dentistry of New Jersey. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the LRT(D) examination for licensure in Dental Radiography.

UMDNJ-SHRP provides opportunities for Certified/Registered Dental Assistants to continue their education in the Bachelor of Science in Health Science-Allied Dental Concentration. Opportunities for advanced standing in the Dental Hygiene Program are also available.

Commonly Asked Questions about Dental Assisting

Where do dental assistants work?

Registered Dental Assistant performing expanded orthodontic functions.

Are there opportunities for career advancement for dental assistants?

Yes. Dental assistants have become office managers, research associates, dental sales representatives, educators, dental laboratory technologists, dental hygienists, and dentists. There are also educational opportunities available for dental assistants who wish to obtain a degree beyond the certificate level.

What is the employment forecast for dental assistants?

According to the New Jersey Department of Labor Employment Projections, dental assisting is among the top ten occupations with the greatest percentage growth from 1996 to 2006. Both part-time and full-time employment opportunities are available.

What is the average salary for dental assistants?

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Dental Association, certified and registered dental assistants with an x-ray license command a minimum hourly wage of $16 to $18 upon graduation. Experienced assistants average to $20-24 per hour. Some employers offer uniform allowances, reimbursement for continuing education and professional dues, health benefits, and pension plans.

Link to American Dental Association: Dental Assisting.