Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Glen Cove New York
The most important first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Glen Cove NY. But prior to making your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other significant issues to take into account also, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared 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 explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Glen Cove NY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently 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 carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Glen Cove NY dental offices are often required to hold 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 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 practical 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 college might be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Glen Cove NY home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Glen Cove NY, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing 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 ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, 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. Glen Cove NY employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Glen Cove NY dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal method to get 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 form professional relationships in the Glen Cove NY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Glen Cove NY dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Glen Cove NY dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Glen Cove 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 suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Glen Cove NY at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Glen Cove
Enroll in the Right Glen Cove Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options available to obtain your training 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 community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Glen Cove New York.
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