Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Bradley Gardens New Jersey
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program near Bradley Gardens NJ is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other important issues to take into account also, for instance the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Bradley Gardens NJ dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Bradley Gardens NJ dental offices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Bradley Gardens NJ home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bradley Gardens NJ, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several 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 provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bradley Gardens NJ employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Bradley Gardens NJ dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably 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 too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bradley Gardens NJ dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Bradley Gardens NJ dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bradley Gardens NJ area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must go to classes near Bradley Gardens NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Bradley Gardens
Choose the Right Bradley Gardens Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bradley Gardens New Jersey.
Bradley Gardens Dental Hygienist Schools | Bradley Gardens Dental Hygiene Schools