Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Los Angeles California
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Los Angeles CA is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Los Angeles CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting 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 each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Los Angeles CA dental offices are normally 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Los Angeles CA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the right choice for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Los Angeles CA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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 ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Los Angeles CA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Los Angeles CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Los Angeles CA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Los Angeles CA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Los Angeles CA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Los Angeles CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Los Angeles CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Los Angeles
Pick the Right Los Angeles Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal 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 several options available to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Los Angeles California.
Los Angeles Dental Hygienist Programs | Los Angeles How To Become A Dental Hygienist