Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Mantua New Jersey
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near Mantua NJ. However, you must analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Mantua NJ dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Mantua NJ dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a viable option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Mantua NJ home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mantua NJ, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Mantua NJ employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Mantua NJ dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to get 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 Mantua NJ dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Mantua NJ dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Mantua NJ dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Mantua NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Mantua NJ at nights 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 practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Mantua
Pick the Best Mantua Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Mantua New Jersey.
Mantua Dental Hygienist Schools | Mantua Dental Hygiene Schools