Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Lakewood New Jersey
The most important first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist college near Lakewood NJ. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article.
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Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lakewood NJ, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lakewood NJ employers often 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 offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lakewood NJ dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help 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 also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lakewood NJ dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Lakewood NJ dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lakewood NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Lakewood NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lakewood
Choose the Right Lakewood Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount 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 programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to 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 best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lakewood New Jersey.
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