Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Athens Alabama
A critical first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Athens AL. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Selecting the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and must be considered as well. 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 complete. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Athens AL 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 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 dentists or dental practices.
Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a viable option for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Athens AL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice 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 discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Athens AL, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending 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 ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Athens AL employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Athens AL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means 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 professional relationships in the Athens AL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Athens AL dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Athens AL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Athens AL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Athens AL 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 making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Athens
Choose the Right Athens Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose 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 better prepared to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Athens Alabama.
Athens Dental Hygienist Colleges | Athens Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me