Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Find the Right One Near Kings Park New York
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Kings Park NY is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other significant issues to consider also, including the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn 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 longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Kings Park NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Kings Park NY dental offices are normally 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 finish 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Kings Park NY home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical 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 get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Kings Park NY, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options also. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Kings Park NY employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Kings Park NY dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to get hands-on, clinical 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 Kings Park NY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing 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 Kings Park NY dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Kings Park NY dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Kings Park NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Kings Park NY at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Kings Park
Enroll in the Best Kings Park Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options offered to acquire your training 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 receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Kings Park New York.
Kings Park Dental Hygienist Schools | Kings Park Dental Hygiene Schools