Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Right One Near Yonkers New York
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Yonkers NY is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. Picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other important issues to consider also, for instance the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors 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 duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Yonkers NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Yonkers NY dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a good option for receiving your education. 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 accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Yonkers NY home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Yonkers NY, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Yonkers NY employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Yonkers NY dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way 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 develop professional relationships in the Yonkers NY dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching 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 Yonkers NY dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Yonkers NY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides 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 programs, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Yonkers NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Yonkers NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Yonkers
Pick the Right Yonkers Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. 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 presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Yonkers New York.
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