Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Maple Shade New Jersey
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Maple Shade NJ is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically 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 talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Maple Shade NJ dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Maple Shade NJ dental offices are usually required to hold 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 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Maple Shade NJ home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the right option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Maple Shade NJ, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 establish that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Maple Shade NJ employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Maple Shade NJ dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to obtain hands-on, practical 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 build professional relationships in the Maple Shade NJ dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Maple Shade NJ dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment 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, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Maple Shade NJ dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume 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 along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 colleges, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Maple Shade NJ area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Maple Shade NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Maple Shade
Enroll in the Right Maple Shade Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal 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 options offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing 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 provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Maple Shade New Jersey.
Maple Shade Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Maple Shade Dental Hygienist Programs