Dental Assisting Schools in New Jersey

A dental assistant works alongside dental hygienists and dentists and assists in providing dental treatments and also educating patients about good oral health habits.

What are a Dental Assistant's Daily Duties?

A dental assistant prepares for each patient by ensuring all necessary equipment and tools are available for each procedure. They may bring patients into the treatment area and obtain medical history, and depending on the state, may polish teeth, apply sealants and take dental impressions. Other duties include:

• Handing instruments to dentists during treatment
• Assist during procedures by rinsing and suctioning patients’ mouths
• Sterilizing equipment and instruments
• Taking x-rays
• Instructing patients about oral hygiene or postoperative care
• Depending on the size of the dental office, taking care of some administrative tasks such as booking follow up appointments, and ordering supplies

How to become a Dental Assistant

Most states require that you attend a dental assistant school, college or vocational school and earn a certificate, diploma or associate degree, as the first step to becoming a dental assistant. After graduation, many states require that you pass a licensing exam.

When looking for a dental assistant training program, check if the program has received accreditation through a special commission that is part of the American Dental Association, with courses that are a combination of lecture and lab work. Many dental assistant programs also include a hands-on clinical component in a dentist’s office.

Typical Courses in a Dental Assistant Program

• Medical and dental terminology
• Oral Anatomy
• Learning the names and purpose of each instrument
• Infection control protocols
• Dental Materials
• Nutrition
• Oral Hygiene
• CPR
• Dental Radiology
• Dental Office Procedures

Accreditation

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association is responsible for accrediting dental assisting programs.

Certification

A Dental Assistant can become certified by passing the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam through the Dental Assisting National Board's (DANB). To be eligible to take the CDA exam, you must have completed a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or if you have graduated from non-accredited program, you can take the national certification exam after you have completed two years of full-time work experience as a dental assistant.

Requirements to Work as a Dental Assistant in New Jersey

Unregistered Dental Assistant

• If you are an unregistered dental assistant, you may perform basic supporting procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. There are no education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting.

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

• To be able to perform expanded functions dental assistants must be licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).

Radiography Requirements

• To be eligible to operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures a dental assistant must be licensed as a Dental Radiologic Technologist (DRT) by the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners.

How much does a Dental Assistant make in New Jersey

• The annual mean wage for Dental Assistants in New Jersey is $43,280

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019