Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Glendale California
Choosing the right dental hygienist college near Glendale CA is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Glendale CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Glendale CA dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a viable 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 balance of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Glendale CA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required 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 program is the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Glendale CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Glendale CA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Glendale CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to obtain 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 Glendale CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Glendale CA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Glendale CA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the duration 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 along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Glendale CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Glendale CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Glendale
Choose the Best Glendale Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Glendale California.
Glendale Dental Hygienist Colleges | Glendale Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me