Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Palisades Park New Jersey
The most important first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Palisades Park NJ. However, you must examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors 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. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing 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 Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Palisades Park NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. 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 duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Palisades Park NJ dental offices are generally required to have 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 nearly every state. They are offered in trade and vocational 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Palisades Park NJ home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Palisades Park NJ, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Palisades Park NJ employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Palisades Park NJ dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive 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 working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Palisades Park NJ dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Palisades Park NJ dental hygienist college 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 fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Palisades Park NJ area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Palisades Park NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Palisades Park
Pick the Best Palisades Park Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Palisades Park New Jersey.
Palisades Park Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Palisades Park Dental Hygienist Degree