Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Bay Point California
The most important first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist school near Bay Point CA. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other crucial issues to take into account as well, including the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Bay Point CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Bay Point CA dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 vocational 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a good alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Bay Point CA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the best option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bay Point CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included 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 Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bay Point CA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Bay Point CA dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bay Point CA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment 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 attend a few classes at the Bay Point CA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. 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 schools, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bay Point CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? 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 acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Bay Point CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Bay Point
Pick the Right Bay Point Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is essential 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 a number of options offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bay Point California.
Bay Point Dental Hygiene Schools | Bay Point Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me