Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Fair Lawn New Jersey
The most important first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist program near Fair Lawn NJ. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally 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 prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing 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 Duties
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Fair Lawn NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Fair Lawn NJ dental practices are usually 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 almost 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. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a great option for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Fair Lawn NJ home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fair Lawn NJ, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Fair Lawn NJ employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Fair Lawn NJ dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Fair Lawn NJ dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Fair Lawn NJ dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Fair Lawn NJ dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience 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 vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Fair Lawn NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Fair Lawn NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Fair Lawn
Enroll in the Best Fair Lawn Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Fair Lawn New Jersey.
Fair Lawn Dental Hygienist Programs | Fair Lawn How To Become A Dental Hygienist