The American Dental Association sent three representatives to evaluate the status of the dental program at Cerritos College in early October, and what they found resulted in a “glowing report on both the faculty and the program, ” said Dr. Pat Stewart in the Dental Hygiene department.

The representatives will turn in reports to the American Dental Association Commission, which will in turn grant accreditation to the program in January 2003.

“We passed with flying colors, and with no recommendations whatsoever,” said Joleen Failor, professor in the Dental Assisting department.

The Dental Hygiene department, which has been around since 1970, offers a two-year degree program that will result in licensing and certification, as a dental hygienist should the students pass both the written National Board Exam and the Practical California State Board Exam.

Each year the program accepts 24 new applicants, for a total of 48 enrolled students per year. It is preferred that all students applying have previously completed all of their general education requirements so that they can devote all of their time to the program.

“We graduate the absolute highest quality of clinical dental hygienists as well as professionals who are sought out by dentists in the local community,” Stewart said.

The Dental Assisting program is a three-semester program offered in the fall and spring and for six weeks during the summer. Approximately 50 students are enrolled in the program per semester, and the program is aimed at attaining the California state certificate on Dental Assisting.

“Our students are well prepared and are eagerly recruited by employers in the community,” said Jenine Nolan, dean of the Health Occupations department.

“We look forward to providing the community with excellent dental service in the future,” Failor added.

For more information on the dental hygiene and assisting programs, please call Dr. Pat Stewart or Joleen Failor at extensions 2557 and 2587.