Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Somers Point NJ 08244

How to Find the Right Dental Hygienist Training Program near Somers Point New Jersey

Somers Point NJ dental hygienist with patient Picking the right dental hygienist program near Somers Point NJ is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other significant factors to consider as well, including the program’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

The Function of a Dental Hygienist

Somers Point NJ pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Somers Point NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

Removing plaque, tartar and stains
Administering fluoride treatments
Polishing teeth and applying sealants
Educating patients about oral hygiene
Taking X-rays and developing film
Applying fillings and removing sutures

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam as well as any state licensure exams. Once they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Somers Point NJ 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. 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 Programs

attending dental hygienist school online in Somers Point NJ Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a great option for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Somers Point NJ home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the best option for you.

What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs

teeth cleaned by Somers Point NJ dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Somers Point NJ, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. 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 Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Somers Point NJ employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Somers Point NJ dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method 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 develop professional relationships in the Somers Point NJ dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Somers Point NJ dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Somers Point NJ dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Somers Point NJ area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Somers Point NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Somers Point NJ?

Somers Point, New Jersey

Somers Point is the oldest settlement in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. It was first settled in 1693, and was incorporated as a borough in 1886. Somers Point was incorporated as a city in 1902. At the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 10,795,[10][11][12] reflecting a decline of 819 (-7.1%) from the 11,614 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 398 (+3.5%) from the 11,216 counted in the 1990 Census.[21]

John Somers was the first European settler in what is now Somers Point. Somers purchased the land along the northern periphery of the Great Egg Harbor Bay from Thomas Budd in 1693, making it the oldest European settlement in Atlantic County. He named the area Somerset Plantation, Somers Ferry, and Somers Plantation, until the name Somers Point became established in 1750. In 1695, John Somers operated the first ferry service across the Great Egg Harbor Bay to Cape May County. His son Richard built Somers Mansion overlooking the harbor sometime between 1720 and 1726, which remains the county's oldest existing home.[22][23][24][25] Somers Point was designated as a port of entry in 1791 and remained one until it was abolished in 1915.[26][27]

Somers Point was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 24, 1886, from portions of Egg Harbor Township, based on the results of a referendum held five days earlier.[28] At that time, there were 48 people registered to vote in the borough.[24] Somers Point was reincorporated as a borough on April 2, 1890, based on the previous day's referendum. Somers Point was incorporated as a city on April 9, 1902, from all of Somers Point borough and additional portions of Egg Harbor Township.[28][29] The borough was named for John Somers.[30][31]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 5.159 square miles (13.361 km2), including 4.030 square miles (10.437 km2) of land and 1.129 square miles (2.924 km2) of water (21.88%).[2][3]

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Choose the Right Dental Hygienist College near Somers Point NJ

Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. 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 as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Somers Point NJ.