Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Rahway New Jersey
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist college near Rahway NJ. However, you must analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Choosing the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other crucial factors to take into account as well, including the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Rahway NJ dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering 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 Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Rahway NJ dental offices 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 clinical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a viable option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Rahway NJ home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the best option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Rahway NJ, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided 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 several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order 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 education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Rahway NJ employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Rahway NJ dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best 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 develop professional relationships in the Rahway NJ dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Rahway NJ dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Rahway NJ dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Rahway NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Rahway NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Rahway
Enroll in the Right Rahway Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to obtain 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 schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Rahway New Jersey.
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