Foundation Supports Dental Assisting Teaching Programs

One leading factor in the evolution of dentistry is the increasingly important role of dental assistants.

The Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation is proud to support dental assisting education programs such as at Camden County College and Newark’s Central High School, the Bloomfield Health Careers Foundation Dental Assisting Program, and the UMDNJ School of Allied Health Professionals.

“The dental assistant is a very key position,” said Dr. Gene F. Napoliello, D.D.S., president of the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation. “In order for dentists to treat the number of patients they see daily, they need qualified, licensed help. Dentistry needs dedicated, certified assistants right now. The opportunities are there for students both for education and jobs.”

Assistants make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair and prepare patients and instruments for treatment. During procedures, they work alongside dentists performing activities such as handing them instruments and keeping patients’ mouths clean and dry using suction or other devices. They may also prepare, take, and process dental x-rays. 

“With the need for dental care becoming an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle, the role of the dental assistant is becoming just as indispensable,” said Dr. Carolyn Breen, chair, Department of Allied Dental Education, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Scotch Plains campus. “Dental assistants are valuable members of the dental team and play a major role in the delivery of health care to the residents of New Jersey.”

In conjunction with supporting professional certification programs, the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation helps develop and support high school dental assisting programs that offer hands-on education, encouraging students to go on to become licensed certified and registered dental assistants.