Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Berkeley California
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Berkeley CA is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating 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 Functions
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Berkeley CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating 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 employed in Berkeley CA dental practices are normally required to hold 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 almost 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. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a great option for getting your training. Just remember 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 provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Berkeley CA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Berkeley CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college 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. Berkeley CA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in offers enough 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, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Berkeley CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 form professional relationships in the Berkeley CA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Berkeley CA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Berkeley CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Berkeley CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Berkeley CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Berkeley
Enroll in the Right Berkeley Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Berkeley California.
Berkeley Dental Hygienist Degree | Berkeley Dental Hygienist Schools Online