Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Northport Alabama
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Northport AL is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. There are other important factors to take into account also, for instance the school's reputation and accreditation. 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 accomplish. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role 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 Northport AL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Northport AL dental practices are usually 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 virtually 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Northport AL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Northport AL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Northport AL employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Northport AL dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Northport AL dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Northport AL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can 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 schools can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Northport AL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Northport AL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Northport
Choose the Right Northport Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. 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 begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Northport Alabama.
Northport Dental Hygienist Colleges | Northport Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me