Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Lakewood New Jersey
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Lakewood NJ. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, for instance the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Lakewood NJ dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lakewood NJ dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Lakewood 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. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lakewood NJ, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online options also. Although these are significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lakewood NJ employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose provides adequate 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, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lakewood NJ dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to get 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 Lakewood NJ dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing 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 Lakewood NJ dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Lakewood NJ dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lakewood NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must go to classes near Lakewood NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lakewood
Choose the Best Lakewood Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options offered to acquire 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 junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lakewood New Jersey.
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