Dental Assisting
This program enables students to develop the basic knowledge and skills required for an entry level position as a Dental Assistant. The curriculum teaches four-handed dentistry and lab skills, prevention techniques, operative treatment. This program prepares students to pursue dental careers such as dental hygienist, lab technician, x-ray technician, dentist, as well as offers a direct pathway for those who choose to enter a career as a dental assistant. Students in this program review dental terminology, dental anatomy, dental materials, infection control procedures, prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, orthodontic and dental radiology. Upon program completion, students will earn a high school diploma, NOCTI and CPR certifications and will be eligible to take the Dental Association Exam. Students also have the opportunity to earn multiple college credits through articulation and dual enrollment agreements with Stockton, Rowan College at Gloucester County and Atlantic Cape Community College.
Dental Assisting I
Grade: 9
Credit: 10
Prerequisite: None
Introduction to Dental Assisting will emphasize tooth identification, charting, models, impressions, medical terminology, basic dental terminology, and General Dentistry which includes restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Students will use the computers to perform dental business office activities such as patient registration, medical/dental histories and forms.
Dental Assisting II
Grade: 10
Credit: 10
Prerequisite: Dental Assisting I
Preparing for employment or furthering an advanced degree in Dentistry, the following will broaden the student’s knowledge regarding extensive dental terminology, dental anatomy, dental materials, infection control procedures, promotion of safety and the specialties of dentistry including prosthodontics, oral surgery, pedodontics, endodontics and orthodontics, along with a background in dental radiology, which allows students to develop and mount dental x-rays out in dental offices. A more extensive front office computer course will include appointment scheduling and processing dental insurance claims. There will also be a focus on personal and professional qualities suitable to the area dental offices.
Dental Assisting III
Grade: 11
Credit: 10
Prerequisite: Dental Assisting II
Applied Dental Assisting encourages students to apply their dental skills through ACIT’s Cooperative Education program and to compete in HOSA competitions during this time. In- class support will be available weekly to strengthen and enhance the students’ knowledge and skills mastery. Students will become competent regarding chair-side and front desk skills necessary for employment. Also, students are certified in CPR, along with certification in First Aid through the American Heart Association. Students will study dental anatomy II which includes study of the anatomy of face and skull, along with oral pathology, which includes diseases and pathology of the oral cavity and extensive dental terminology and continue the specialties of dentistry. General anatomy and physiology and Forensic Dentistry will be introduced at this time as well.
Dental Assisting IV
Grade: 12
Credit: 10
Prerequisite: Dental Assisting III
A review of all skills mastered will be completed at the beginning of the senior year in order for student placement into clinical rotation. Student placement will include one general dentistry rotation, along with a specialty rotation. Students must be certified in CPR, along with certification in First Aid through the American Heart Association. This is mandatory for rotation in a dental office. Also, students continue an advanced study of dental anatomy, which includes extensive study of the anatomy of the face and skull, oral pathology, including diseases and pathology of the oral cavity, and in depth general anatomy. Students will take a nationally recognized industry exam at the end of the program, receive a certificate which recognizes them as ready to work in the dental field.