Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Pearl River New York
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Pearl River NY is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. Picking the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Pearl River NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Pearl River NY dental practices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a viable option for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Pearl River NY home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice 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 discipline for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pearl River NY, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options also. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Pearl River NY employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides adequate 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, confirm that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Pearl River NY dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional 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 Pearl River NY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Pearl River NY dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Pearl River NY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Pearl River NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Pearl River NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Pearl River
Enroll in the Right Pearl River Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal 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 you now know, there are a number of options offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Pearl River New York.
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