Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Right One Near Fremont California
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Fremont CA is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Fremont CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Fremont CA dental offices are usually 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a great option for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Fremont CA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical 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 obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fremont CA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at 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 right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school 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. Fremont CA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Fremont CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Fremont CA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Fremont CA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Fremont CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether 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 costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Fremont CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Fremont CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Fremont
Pick the Best Fremont Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 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 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 start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Fremont California.
Fremont Dental Hygienist Colleges | Fremont Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me