Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Cortland New York
A critical first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist program near Cortland NY. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. There are other important factors to take into account also, including the program's reputation and accreditation. 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 a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Cortland NY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting 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 gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Cortland NY dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a good option for obtaining 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 balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Cortland NY home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually 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 appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Cortland NY, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished 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 School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Cortland NY employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers sufficient 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 program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Cortland NY dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means 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 develop professional relationships in the Cortland NY dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Cortland NY dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Cortland NY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the duration 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 come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Cortland NY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Cortland NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required 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 because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Cortland
Pick the Best Cortland Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Cortland New York.
Cortland Dental Hygiene Schools | Cortland Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me