Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Los Altos California
Picking the right dental hygienist college near Los Altos CA is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Choosing the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Los Altos CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar 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 Degree Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Los Altos CA dental practices are generally required to have 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Los Altos CA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Los Altos CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify 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 education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Los Altos CA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative 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 have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Los Altos CA dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the best way 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Los Altos CA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Los Altos CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Los Altos CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Los Altos CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Los Altos
Choose the Best Los Altos Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to obtain 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, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Los Altos California.
Los Altos Dental Hygiene Schools | Los Altos Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me