Highlights
Our dental assisting foundation course is designed for students new to the field. In the course, you’ll learn anatomy, equipment, four-handed assisting techniques, hands-on presentation of dental procedures, infection control, instruments, materials, and terminology.
Included in the course is Basic Life Support Certification (CPR). Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Care for patients in the treatment room
- Providing patient information on oral health care
- Preparing and delivering dental materials throughout a dental procedure
- Sterilize instruments and equipment and manage infection control throughout the office
- Collecting patient medical and dental history
Credentials: Successful completion of our Dental Assistant Course qualifies you as an entry-level Dental Assistant. Our program serves as a prerequisite for a Dental Radiology program.
Scholarships
H. Hovnanian Foundation School of Nursing and Health Sciences Grant
The H. Hovnanian Foundation School of Nursing and Health Sciences Grant supports passionate and driven students pursuing careers in healthcare. This grant can cover up to 50% of the cost for select courses.
Length: 8 or 16 weeks
Cost: $1,000
Course Code: CEHS-126
CEU: 6.6
No prior experience is required for this course.
Our curriculum covers essential skills and knowledge needed to assist dentists in a clinical setting while emphasizing safety and professionalism. With small class sizes and experienced instructors, students receive personalized attention and support. Students are responsible for initiating and setting up a 1-hour job shadowing at a local dental practice.
Graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce as entry-level dental assistants, ready to make a positive impact in dental practices. Enroll today to start your journey in dental healthcare!
Delta Dental SMILES Grant
The Dental Assistant program at Ocean County College has been significantly enhanced through the generous support of the Delta Dental SMILES Grant. This funding has allowed the program to invest in state-of-the-art clinical equipment, including a fully equipped dental operatory, radiography manikins, and advanced tools such as an intraoral scanner, giving students hands-on experience with the same technology used in modern dental practices. In addition, students benefit from industry-recognized CPR and Basic Life Support certification and training on Dentrix, a leading dental software system. The grant has also supported the purchase of essential instructional supplies and provided scholarships to students facing financial barriers, ensuring greater access to high-quality training. Through this partnership, OCC continues to strengthen its commitment to preparing skilled, workforce-ready dental assistants for the regional healthcare community.
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics