Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Edison NJ is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider as well, for instance the school’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Edison NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and report their results 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
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

In order to be licensed in nearly 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 as well as any state licensure examinations. Once they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Edison NJ 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical aspect to the training as well| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a viable option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Edison NJ home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.

Points to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Edison NJ, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best 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 program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Edison NJ employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited programs.

Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Edison NJ dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to get 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 professional relationships in the Edison NJ dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Edison NJ dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Edison NJ dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.

 What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Edison NJ area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Edison NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Edison NJ?

Select the Best Dental Hygienist College near Edison NJ

Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important 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 many alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive 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 normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Edison NJ.

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