Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Florence Alabama
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist school near Florence AL. But prior to making your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Florence AL dentists and the practice. 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 teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Florence AL dental offices are often 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. 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 offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a great alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Florence AL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. 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 required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Florence AL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online options also. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Florence AL employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Florence AL dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way 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 create professional relationships in the Florence AL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Find out if the schools 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 Florence AL dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Florence AL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as 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 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 comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Florence AL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Florence AL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Florence
Choose the Right Florence Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Florence Alabama.
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