Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Antioch California
Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Antioch CA is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, including the school's accreditation and reputation. 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 a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Antioch CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting 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 teeth and gums and report their findings 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
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Antioch CA dental practices are usually required to hold 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 almost 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Antioch CA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Antioch CA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Antioch CA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants 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 programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Antioch CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to receive 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Antioch CA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Antioch CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Antioch CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Antioch CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Antioch
Choose the Right Antioch Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two 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 asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Antioch California.
Antioch Dental Hygiene Schools | Antioch Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me