Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Princeton New Jersey
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist school near Princeton NJ. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the job 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 in support of the Princeton 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 encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities 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
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Princeton NJ dental offices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a good option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the classes 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 desktop computer in the convenience of your Princeton NJ home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Princeton NJ, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Princeton NJ employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Princeton NJ dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably 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 establish professional relationships in the Princeton NJ dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Princeton NJ dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Princeton NJ dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Princeton NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Princeton NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Princeton
Pick the Right Princeton Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Princeton New Jersey.
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