Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near Hauppauge New York
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Hauppauge NY is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other significant issues to take into account also, including the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Hauppauge NY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Hauppauge NY dental practices are often 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 virtually 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Hauppauge NY home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Hauppauge NY, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Hauppauge NY employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Hauppauge NY dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Hauppauge NY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Hauppauge NY dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Hauppauge NY dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Hauppauge NY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Hauppauge NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Hauppauge
Choose the Best Hauppauge Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is essential 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 many alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount 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 programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Hauppauge New York.
Hauppauge Dental Hygienist Colleges | Hauppauge Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me