Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Paramus NJ 07652 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Pick a Dental Hygienist Program near Paramus New Jersey

Paramus NJ dental hygienist with patient Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program near Paramus NJ is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other significant factors to consider also, such as 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 complete. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

The Function of Dental Hygienists

Paramus NJ pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Paramus NJ practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

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

To qualify for licensing in almost 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 Exam as well as any state licensing examinations. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Paramus NJ dental practices are usually required to have 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 almost 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| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Colleges

attending dental hygienist school online in Paramus NJ Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a good option for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Paramus NJ home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting 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 appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal option for you.

Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs

teeth cleaned by Paramus NJ dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Paramus NJ, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Paramus NJ employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Paramus NJ dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to obtain hands-on, practical 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Paramus NJ dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Paramus NJ dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.

What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether 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 commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Paramus NJ area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Paramus NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Paramus NJ?

Paramus, New Jersey

Paramus (/pəˈræməs/ pə-RAM-əs, with the accent on the second syllable[20]) is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 26,342,[9][10][11] reflecting an increase of 605 (+2.4%) from the 25,737 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 670 (+2.7%) from the 25,067 counted in the 1990 Census.[21] A suburb of New York City, Paramus is located 15 to 20 miles (24 to 32 km) northwest of Midtown Manhattan and approximately 8 miles (13 km) west of Upper Manhattan. The Wall Street Journal has characterized Paramus as the Quintessential Suburb with small town charm.[22]

Paramus was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 2, 1922, and ratified by a referendum held on April 4, 1922, that passed by a vote of 238 to 10.[23][24] Paramus was created from portions of Midland Township, which now exists as Rochelle Park.[23][25] The name is usually said to be of Native American origin, derived from words meaning "land of the turkey"[20] or meaning "pleasant stream."[26]

The borough is one of the largest shopping destinations in the country, generating over $5 billion in annual retail sales,[27][28] more than any other ZIP code in the United States.[29][30] Despite this, Paramus has some of the most restrictive blue laws in the nation.[31] More than 63% of Bergen County voters rejected a referendum on the ballot in 1993 that would have repealed the county's blue laws, though the Paramus restrictions would have remained in place.[32]

The area that became northern New Jersey was occupied for thousands of years by prehistoric indigenous peoples. At the time of European encounter, it was settled by the historic Lenape people. The Lenape language word for the area, Peremessing, which meant that it had an abundant population of wild turkey, was anglicized to become the word "Paramus".[33][34] A large metal statue of a wild turkey in the Paramus Park mall commemorates this history.[34] Another variation is that the word means "pleasant stream".[35]

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Enroll in the Right Dental Hygienist School near Paramus NJ

Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly 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 schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Paramus NJ.