Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Right One Near Metuchen New Jersey
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Metuchen NJ is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at 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 on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Metuchen NJ dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Metuchen NJ dental offices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a great option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Metuchen NJ home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Metuchen NJ, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, 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 ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Metuchen NJ employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Metuchen NJ dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real 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 Metuchen NJ dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Metuchen NJ dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Metuchen NJ dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Metuchen NJ area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Metuchen NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Metuchen
Pick the Best Metuchen Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Metuchen New Jersey.
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