Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Huntington New York
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Huntington NY is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing 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 comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Huntington NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending 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 X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Huntington NY dental offices 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Huntington NY home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Huntington NY, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important 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 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 ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Huntington NY employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Huntington NY dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Huntington NY dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Huntington NY dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides 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 colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Huntington NY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Huntington 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 addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Huntington
Choose the Best Huntington Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect 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 selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Huntington New York.
Huntington Dental Hygienist Programs | Huntington How To Become A Dental Hygienist