Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Ridgefield Park New Jersey
A critical first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist college near Ridgefield Park NJ. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Ridgefield Park NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Ridgefield Park NJ dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a great alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Ridgefield Park NJ home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Ridgefield Park NJ, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Ridgefield Park NJ employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Ridgefield Park NJ dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Ridgefield Park NJ dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Ridgefield Park NJ dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Ridgefield Park NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Ridgefield Park NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical 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 responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Ridgefield Park
Choose the Best Ridgefield Park Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is important 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 numerous alternatives offered to acquire your training 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, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to 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 by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Ridgefield Park New Jersey.
Ridgefield Park Dental Hygiene Schools | Ridgefield Park Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me