The Dental Assisting program at BCIT consists of a strong blend of theory and clinical based instruction in a state-of-the-art facility in combination with an extramural clinical experience with some of the area’s finest dental professionals.

Please Read the Dental Standards

We have created a schedule so that students could still maintain part-time employment while attending our program. The Dental Assisting is a 10-month program accredited by CODA, Middle States and the United States Department of Education. The total hours are approximately 1,100 hours including school and clinical hours. Also, the program offers Financial Aid to qualified students.

We are one of only 4 programs in the State of New Jersey that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (www.coda.ada.org). This allows our graduates to become Certified Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants immediately after completing our program and passing all the exams and submitting the paperwork for licensure.

The first 7 months of the Dental Assisting program combines theory and hands-on work in the school’s dental facility. June through August consists of a combination of clinical rotations and classroom seminars. During the clinical portion of the program students acquire experience in local dental practices under the supervision of dentists, dental assistants and office personnel. Students will rotate through several offices including at least one specialty.

After successful completion of course work and examinations this program will qualify the students to earn the following
credentials:

• New Jersey Dental Radiology License (Department of Environmental Protection)

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) a national credential sponsored by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

  • Three component exams:

    • Infection Control Exam (ICE)

    • Radiation Health and Safety Exam (RHS)

    • General Chairside Exam (GC)

• New Jersey Registered Dental Assistant registration (RDA)(State Board of Dentistry)

College articulation agreement:

• 33 college credits through Camden County College toward an Associates Degree in Applied Science (pending college approval) must complete 30 credits at the college.

Prerequisite:
Documentation necessary for enrollment includes:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Physical Exam including Hepatitis B Vaccination and Tuberculosis 2-part screening

• Basic Life Support for healthcare provider (CPR) Professional Rescuer

Program Policies and Student Compliance

In accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:28-19.13(f)5, BCIT Adult Education issues all enrolled students a current and dated student handbook, catalog, and/or policy manual containing all applicable school and program policies and procedures.

Policies include but are not limited to:

• Student Conduct

• Attendance Requirements

• Academic Grading Policies

• Dismissal and Withdrawal Procedures

• Pregnancy Policy Related to Radiation Protection

• Radiation Safety Procedures

• Clinical Education Requirements and Expectations

• Educational Resources and Student Support Services

Students enrolled in radiology-related programs are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all program and safety requirements.

Pregnancy and Radiation Safety Policy

Students who voluntarily declare pregnancy will receive information regarding radiation exposure limits, safety measures, counseling options, and possible clinical modifications in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Clinical Education Policy

Students participating in clinical education experiences must comply with all affiliated site requirements, professional standards, and safety regulations.

Educational Resources

BCIT Adult Education provides instructional support, laboratory resources, educational materials, faculty assistance, and student services necessary for successful completion of the program.

Student Admission and Character Requirements

Students enrolling in healthcare or radiology-related programs must demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical standards. BCIT reserves the right to review information related to professional conduct, criminal background, and other factors that may impact clinical placement eligibility or successful participation in the program.

Failure to disclose required information or meet program standards may result in denial of admission, removal from clinical placement, or dismissal from the program.

All students are required to review the BCIT Adult Education Student Handbooks and Policies prior to registration.

Click Here to Review Student Handbooks and Policies

By selecting "I Have Read and Agree," when you register for this course, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand the BCIT Adult Education policies, procedures, and student handbook requirements.

Radiology clinical:

All students will need to identify at least two patients who require a full mouth series of radiographs for diagnostic purposes prescribed by the patient’s dentist who can come to our Westampton campus or to one of our off-clinical offices during regular school hours while a volunteer dentist is present and have their radiographs taken and interpreted. At all- time the students will be supervised by our dental instructors approved by the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board
of Examiners.

The Dental Assistant Student will be trained to:

• Prepare a patient for treatment

• Prepare tray setups for dental procedures

• Assist dentist in a variety of dental procedures

• Prepare materials for making impressions and restorations

• Expose radiographs and process dental x-ray film as directed by the dentist

• Perform all New Jersey expanded function intraoral procedures

• Instruct patients in oral health care

• Assist in managing medical emergencies

• Provide postoperative instruction

• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment

• Practice Management

If you are interested in applying for Financial Aid to help with the program cost, use BCIT’s school code 042856 when applying for benefits online at studentaid.gov. Any remaining balance will be due based on our Payment Plan due dates.

Schedule for 26/27 TBA

Program cost includes: examination fees, personal protective equipment and supplies. Program cost does not include: Radiology badge (approx $120), textbooks, or Caribbean Blue Scrub uniforms.

Textbooks Required: 1.) Elsevier Health Science - Modern Dental Assisting, 14th edition​ ISBN # 9780323824408​ 2.) Elsevier Health Science - Student Workbook for Modern Dental Assisting, 14th edition ISBN # 9780443120312 3.) Elsevier Health Science - Infection Control and Management of Hazardous Materials for the Dental Team, 7th Edition ISBN # 9780323764049 4.) Cengage - Emergency Guide for Dental Auxiliaries, 5th Edition  ISBN: 9780357709771   5.) Pearson - Essentials of Dental Radiography, 10th Edition ISBN# 9780134460741

US Department of Veteran Affairs Approved Course

Please note: The administration reserves the right to withdraw any course, which has insufficient registration, and/or to change the schedule and campus location when circumstances warrant a change.