Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near North Highlands California
The most important first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist program near North Highlands CA. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the right way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
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 North Highlands CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out 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
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in North Highlands CA dental practices are generally required to have 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 vocational 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.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a great option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your North Highlands CA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in North Highlands CA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. North Highlands CA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program 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 are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local North Highlands CA dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to obtain 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the North Highlands CA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Ask the schools you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the North Highlands CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs associated with 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 North Highlands 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 continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near North Highlands CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, 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 because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in North Highlands
Pick the Right North Highlands Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in North Highlands California.
North Highlands Dental Hygienist Schools | North Highlands Dental Hygiene Schools