Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Paterson New Jersey
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist college near Paterson NJ. But before you can make your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to 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 Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Paterson NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Paterson NJ dental practices are usually required to have 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 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 practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a good alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Paterson NJ home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically 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 method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Paterson NJ, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition 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 ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Paterson NJ employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Paterson NJ dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means 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 establish professional relationships in the Paterson NJ dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Paterson NJ dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Paterson NJ dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Paterson NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Paterson NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Paterson
Choose the Right Paterson Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, 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 obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Paterson New Jersey.
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