Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Choose the Right One Near Merrick New York
A critical first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near Merrick NY. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other important issues to consider also, such as the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest 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 therefore there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing 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 Description
When comparing 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 Merrick NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Merrick NY dental offices are generally required to hold 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 almost 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Merrick NY home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Merrick NY, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included 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 select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Merrick NY employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Merrick NY dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to obtain 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 professional relationships in the Merrick NY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Merrick NY dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Merrick NY dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Merrick NY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must go to classes near Merrick NY at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, 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 need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Merrick
Choose the Best Merrick Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program 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 a number of options available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally obtain 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 decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Merrick New York.
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