Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Dublin California
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist program near Dublin CA. But before you can make your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. Selecting the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these issues and additional 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 available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Dublin CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient sees 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. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Dublin CA dental offices 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 vocational 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 dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a good option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Dublin CA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Dublin CA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Dublin CA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any 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 furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Dublin CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to get 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 create professional relationships in the Dublin CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at 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 Dublin CA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Dublin CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Dublin CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Dublin CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Dublin
Pick the Right Dublin Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally 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 elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Dublin California.
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