Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Best One Near Somers New York
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Somers NY is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and must be taken into account as well. 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 a year. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Somers NY dental offices 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 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a great alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Somers NY home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Somers NY, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online options also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Somers NY employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Somers NY dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to receive 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are researching 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 Somers NY dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Somers NY dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Somers NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Somers NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Somers
Choose the Right Somers Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to obtain 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 junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Somers New York.
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