Selecting the right dental hygienist college near New Hyde Park NY is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the college’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Job of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the New Hyde Park NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters 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. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

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

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 must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensing exams. 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 Education Options

Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in New Hyde Park NY dental practices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 component to the training as well| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Classes

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a good alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your New Hyde Park NY home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in New Hyde Park NY, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. New Hyde Park NY employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited programs.

Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only important that the program you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local New Hyde Park NY dental office that focuses on dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to obtain 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 build professional relationships in the New Hyde Park NY dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the New Hyde Park NY dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the New Hyde Park NY dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.

 What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to 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 analyzing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the New Hyde Park NY area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near New Hyde Park NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near New Hyde Park NY?

Choose the Right Dental Hygienist Program near New Hyde Park NY

Choosing the ideal 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 many alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally 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 choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in New Hyde Park NY.

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