Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Brooklyn New York
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Brooklyn NY is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, including the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental 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.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role 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 Brooklyn NY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Brooklyn NY dental offices are often 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 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 practical component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good alternative for getting your education. Just remember 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 accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Brooklyn NY home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. 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 required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Brooklyn NY, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. 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 Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Brooklyn NY employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type 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 school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Brooklyn NY dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 Brooklyn NY dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Brooklyn NY dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Brooklyn NY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with 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 analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Brooklyn NY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Brooklyn NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Brooklyn
Enroll in the Right Brooklyn Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Brooklyn New York.
Brooklyn Dental Hygienist Programs | Brooklyn How To Become A Dental Hygienist