DELTA DENTAL PLAN OF NEW JERSEY PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS TO CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE 

PARSIPPANY, NJ (December 8, 2004) – Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. (Delta Dental) recently awarded a scholarship grant to Camden County College in its ongoing support of New Jersey-based academic institutions that educate dental professionals. The College will review the applications submitted by its students this fall, and select one dental hygiene student and one dental assisting student to receive the funds. Scholarships will be awarded based on need; the winners will be named in January 2005.

The relationship between Delta Dental and Camden County College began in 2001. The school established the application procedure, and the first scholarship was awarded in January 2002 to Galloway resident Rachel Warner, a student in the Dental Hygiene program at the time.

"In reviewing applications, we take a variety of factors into consideration to make sure that the money is going to those who need it most," said Dr. Catherine Boos, director of Dental Programs, Camden County College. "Rachel qualified to receive the Delta Dental scholarship, which she used to offset the cost of books, supplies and the series of board tests students take in their final semester to become licensed and registered hygienists."

"The boards can be expensive, especially if you're a full-time student who is not yet working," said Warner. "The Delta Dental scholarship allowed me to successfully finish my education without having to borrow money for expenses. I am grateful to have been given that financial advantage." Warner graduated from Camden County College in May 2002, and is currently a full-time hygienist working for private practices in Absecon and Ocean City.

"Camden County College does an excellent job of preparing its students for careers in a very important, very rewarding field," said Gene F. Napoliello, D.D.S., president, Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. "There is a shortage of hygienists in New Jersey, so Delta Dental does its part to increase access to care for all by helping those who are pursuing that area of study, as well as the institutions that are educating them."

In addition to providing scholarships, Delta Dental donated $50,000 in 2003 for the renovation of the W.H. Copperthwaite Dental Clinic at Camden County College. The Clinic had been in constant use for over 30 years, serving approximately 66 students and 140 patients a week. As a result, the facilities required updating and refurbishment.

"We're pleased with the transformation of the College's dental clinic and the positive impact it has on both students and educators," said Napoliello. "Dr. Boos does an excellent job keeping us apprised of developments with the school's students, programs and facilities."

To be considered for a Delta Dental scholarship at Camden County College, students interested in applying must be fully enrolled in either the dental assisting or dental hygiene program at the school. The application process includes submitting materials including a completed application form, transcript of prior coursework, Student Aid Report, statement of financial need, letter of recommendation and an essay highlighting future professional goals. Once the winners are selected, funds are applied to the student's account after the successful completion of the first semester in the dental assisting or dental hygiene program. For more information about Camden County College, please visit www.camdencc.edu.

Dental Assistant and Dental Hygienist Functions in the Dental Office

Dental Assistant
A dental assistant works chairside while the dentist examines and treats patients. The dental assistant makes the patient comfortable in the chair, prepares the patient for treatment, obtains dental records, prepares impression and restorative materials, exposes and processes dental radiographs, and hands the dentist the proper instruments and materials. The assistant also sterilizes and disinfects instruments, prepares dental tray setups, and instructs the patient in postoperative and general oral health care.

Career Opportunities

• Chairside assistant or office manager in general and specialty practices
• Chairside assistant or office manager in hospital and institutional settings
• Dental assisting education
• Positions dealing with dental insurance, dental laboratories, dental suppliers and dental placement agencies

Dental Hygienist
A licensed dental hygienist is a health care professional, oral health educator and clinician who uses scientific knowledge and methods to provide preventive, educational and therapeutic services to support the control of oral diseases and the promotion of oral health. Under the supervision of a dentist, the hygienist records the patient's dental history, charts the mouth for evaluation and diagnosis by the dentist, scales and polishes teeth, and functions as a dental health educator.

Career Opportunities

• Clinical hygienist
• Dental office manager

Advanced Education Opportunities

• Dental researcher
• Public health dental hygienist
• Dental hygiene educator

Source: www.camdencc.edu

About Delta Dental
Delta Dental established the Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey Foundation in 1986. It's mission includes promoting and assisting educational projects devoted to the enhancement of dental health, research programs designed to increase public awareness of the general benefits of good health, and to improve dental health through the science of dentistry. Each year, the Delta Dental Foundation provides financial support to various organizations throughout the state.

Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s and Connecticut's leading dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental Plan system offers seamless dental benefits administration for employer groups throughout the country and the largest network of credentialed dentists in the nation. For more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com.