Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Asbury Park New Jersey
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Asbury Park NJ is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Asbury Park NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Asbury Park NJ dental offices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Asbury Park NJ home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Asbury Park NJ, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online options also. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Asbury Park NJ employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Asbury Park NJ dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Asbury Park NJ dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Asbury Park NJ dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Asbury Park NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Asbury Park NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Asbury Park
Choose the Right Asbury Park Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Asbury Park New Jersey.
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