Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Millbrook Alabama
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist program near Millbrook AL. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to take into account as well, for instance the program's accreditation and reputation. 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 a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors 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 duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Millbrook AL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Millbrook AL dental offices are generally 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 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 practical component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Millbrook AL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Millbrook AL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Millbrook AL employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type 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 school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Millbrook AL dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to get 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 establish professional relationships in the Millbrook AL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Millbrook AL dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Millbrook AL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs 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. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Millbrook AL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Millbrook AL at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Millbrook
Enroll in the Right Millbrook Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided 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 Millbrook Alabama.
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