Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Best One Near Howard Beach New York
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program near Howard Beach NY is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and should be considered as well. 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. And consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Howard Beach NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Howard Beach NY dental practices 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 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Howard Beach NY home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Howard Beach NY, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 establish that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Howard Beach NY employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Howard Beach NY dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Howard Beach NY dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Howard Beach NY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Howard Beach NY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Howard Beach NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required 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 due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Howard Beach
Pick the Right Howard Beach Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 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 appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Howard Beach New York.
Howard Beach Dental Hygienist Colleges | Howard Beach Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me