Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Select the Right One Near Lynbrook New York
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Lynbrook NY is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other significant issues to take into account also, including the program's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing 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 Description
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Lynbrook NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting 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 area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lynbrook NY dental practices are normally required to hold 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 technical schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a great alternative for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Lynbrook NY home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lynbrook NY, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition 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. Lynbrook NY employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lynbrook NY dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive 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 establish professional relationships in the Lynbrook NY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lynbrook NY dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Lynbrook NY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lynbrook NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Lynbrook NY at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lynbrook
Pick the Right Lynbrook Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination 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 fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lynbrook New York.
Lynbrook Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Lynbrook Dental Hygienist Degree