Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Passaic New Jersey
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Passaic NJ is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing 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 Functions
When comparing the role 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 Passaic NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Passaic NJ dental practices are usually required to have 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Passaic NJ home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Passaic NJ, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Passaic NJ employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Passaic NJ dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Passaic NJ dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Passaic NJ dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial 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 analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Passaic NJ area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Passaic NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Passaic
Pick the Best Passaic Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Passaic New Jersey.
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