Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Select the Best One Near East Palo Alto California
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near East Palo Alto CA is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the East Palo Alto CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in East Palo Alto CA dental practices are normally 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 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your East Palo Alto CA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be performed 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 method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best choice for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in East Palo Alto CA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. East Palo Alto CA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type 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 school you select offers clinical rotation in a local East Palo Alto CA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the East Palo Alto CA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the East Palo Alto CA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the East Palo Alto CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near East Palo Alto CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, 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 Becoming a Dental Hygienist in East Palo Alto
Enroll in the Best East Palo Alto Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal 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 we have covered, there are numerous 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, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning 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 provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in East Palo Alto California.
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