Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Half Moon Bay California
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist program near Half Moon Bay CA. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other important factors to consider also, such as the program's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Half Moon Bay CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results 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
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Half Moon Bay CA dental offices are often 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 finish 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Half Moon Bay CA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Half Moon Bay CA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Half Moon Bay CA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Half Moon Bay CA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive hands-on, clinical 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Half Moon Bay CA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Half Moon Bay CA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 schools, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Half Moon Bay CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Half Moon Bay CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Half Moon Bay
Enroll in the Best Half Moon Bay Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is essential if you wish 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 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 junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Half Moon Bay California.
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