Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Lawrence New Jersey
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Lawrence NJ. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing 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 Lawrence NJ, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lawrence NJ employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Lawrence NJ dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Lawrence NJ dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lawrence NJ dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Lawrence NJ dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 schools, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lawrence NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Lawrence NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Lawrence
Pick the Best Lawrence Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered 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, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. 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 start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lawrence New Jersey.
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