Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Collingswood New Jersey
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Collingswood NJ is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the school's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should 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 provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Collingswood NJ dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also 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
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Collingswood NJ dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a viable alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Collingswood NJ home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Collingswood NJ, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several 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 condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Collingswood NJ employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Collingswood NJ dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Collingswood NJ dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Collingswood NJ dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Collingswood NJ dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Collingswood NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Collingswood NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Collingswood
Enroll in the Right Collingswood Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect 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 in a better position to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Collingswood New Jersey.
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