Selecting the ideal dental hygienist college near Bridgeport NJ is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, for instance 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 complete. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Job of Dental Hygienists

When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Bridgeport NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

• Removing plaque, tartar and stains
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Teaching patients regarding oral care
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

To qualify for licensing in almost all states, dental hygienists must graduate 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 exams. After they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Bridgeport NJ dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical component to the training as well| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Programs

Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Bridgeport NJ home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.

Points to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bridgeport NJ, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, 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 several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bridgeport NJ employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.

Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the program you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Bridgeport NJ dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bridgeport NJ dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Bridgeport NJ dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bridgeport NJ area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Bridgeport NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Bridgeport NJ?

Find the Ideal Dental Hygienist College near Bridgeport NJ

Selecting the right dental hygienist program is essential 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 several options offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking 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 Bridgeport NJ.

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