Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Princeton Meadows New Jersey
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist school near Princeton Meadows NJ. But before you can make your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Princeton Meadows NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Princeton Meadows NJ dental practices are usually 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 complete 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Princeton Meadows NJ home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Princeton Meadows NJ, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school 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. Princeton Meadows NJ employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Princeton Meadows NJ dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to receive hands-on, practical 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 establish professional relationships in the Princeton Meadows NJ dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Princeton Meadows NJ dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Princeton Meadows NJ dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Princeton Meadows NJ area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Princeton Meadows NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have 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 responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Princeton Meadows
Choose the Right Princeton Meadows Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Princeton Meadows New Jersey.
Princeton Meadows Dental Hygiene Schools | Princeton Meadows Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me