Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Cliffside Park New Jersey
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Cliffside Park NJ is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Cliffside Park NJ dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Cliffside Park NJ dental practices are often 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a good alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Cliffside Park NJ home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced 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 necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Cliffside Park NJ, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Cliffside Park NJ employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Cliffside Park NJ dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive hands-on, practical 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Cliffside Park NJ dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Cliffside Park NJ dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Cliffside Park NJ area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Cliffside Park NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Cliffside Park
Pick the Right Cliffside Park Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to 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 selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Cliffside Park New Jersey.
Cliffside Park Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Cliffside Park Dental Hygienist Degree