Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Huntington Station New York
The most important first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist school near Huntington Station NY. But before you can make your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. Picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Huntington Station NY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each 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 duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Huntington Station NY dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Huntington Station NY home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Huntington Station NY, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order 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 instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Huntington Station NY employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Huntington Station NY dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at 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 Huntington Station NY dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Huntington Station NY dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs 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 costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Huntington Station NY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Huntington Station NY at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Huntington Station
Enroll in the Best Huntington Station Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative 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 alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Huntington Station New York.
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