Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near El Monte California
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near El Monte CA is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other significant issues to consider as well, including the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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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 undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the El Monte CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in El Monte CA dental offices are normally required to hold 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 nearly 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your El Monte CA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in El Monte CA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify 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 training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. El Monte CA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local El Monte CA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive 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 El Monte CA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the El Monte CA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the El Monte CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the El Monte 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 fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near El Monte CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in El Monte
Enroll in the Best El Monte Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in El Monte California.
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