Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Nazareth PA 18064 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Enroll In a Dental Hygienist Training Program near Nazareth Pennsylvania

Nazareth PA dental hygienist with patient Picking the right dental hygienist school near Nazareth PA is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other significant issues to consider also, such as the school’s accreditation and reputation. 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 accomplish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

The Role of Dental Hygienists

Nazareth PA pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Nazareth PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

Removing stains, tartar and plaque
Administering fluoride treatments
Polishing teeth and applying sealants
Instructing patients regarding oral care
Taking and developing X-rays
Removing sutures and applying fillings

To qualify for licensing 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 in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. 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 Training Options

Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Nazareth PA dental practices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 clinical aspect to the training as well| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

attending dental hygienist school online in Nazareth PA Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Nazareth PA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges

teeth cleaned by Nazareth PA dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Nazareth PA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Nazareth PA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Nazareth PA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Check if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Nazareth PA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Nazareth PA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 analyzing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Nazareth PA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in 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 acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Nazareth PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Nazareth PA?

Nazareth, Pennsylvania

Nazareth is located seven miles northwest of Easton, four miles north of Bethlehem and twelve miles northeast of Allentown. It is located in the center of Northampton County, and is part of Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley region.

The borough is named for the Biblical town of Nazareth, where Jesus spent his youth. The names of other places in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania are similarly inspired, including Bethlehem, Emmaus, Egypt, and Allentown's Jordan Creek.[4]

Nazareth was founded in 1740 by Moravian immigrants from Germany. The property was purchased from George Whitefield after the construction of the Whitefield House. Initially, Nazareth was specifically Moravian by charter. Outside faiths were not allowed to purchase property within Nazareth, a basically all German Protestant community.

In 1735 a small group of the Moravian missionaries had begun work in the newly settled community of Savannah, Georgia. Their intent was to evangelize the Native American tribes and minister to the settlers. Governor Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia, and John and Charles Wesley, founders of the Methodist Church and deeply interested in Moravian ideals, came along on the same boat. The Brethren settled along the Savannah River in Georgia. Like the Quakers, the Brethren refused to take part in the war with the Spanish and, as a result, they were evicted from Georgia in 1739.

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Select the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Nazareth PA

Selecting the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options available to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Nazareth PA.