Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Right One Near Novato California
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Novato CA is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important 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 complete. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing 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 Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Novato CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Novato CA dental practices 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely 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 convenience of your Novato CA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental practice 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 discipline for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the right choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Novato CA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Novato CA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important 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. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Novato CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Novato CA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Novato CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Novato CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Novato CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Novato
Choose the Best Novato Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to receive your education 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, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to 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 best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Novato California.
Novato Dental Hygienist Colleges | Novato Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me