Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Right One Near North Massapequa New York
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near North Massapequa NY. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other crucial 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 typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the North Massapequa NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually 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 may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties 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 Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in North Massapequa NY dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind 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 provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your North Massapequa NY home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the ideal option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in North Massapequa NY, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. North Massapequa NY employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local North Massapequa NY dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to get 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 working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the North Massapequa NY dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the North Massapequa NY dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward 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 colleges can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if 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 expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the North Massapequa NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near North Massapequa NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in North Massapequa
Pick the Right North Massapequa Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in North Massapequa New York.
North Massapequa Dental Hygienist Schools | North Massapequa Dental Hygiene Schools