Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Oildale California
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Oildale CA is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing 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 Duties
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Oildale CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may 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
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Oildale CA dental offices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 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 practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a great alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Oildale CA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Oildale CA, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Oildale CA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Oildale CA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional 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 look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Oildale CA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Oildale CA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Oildale CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Oildale CA at nights 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 policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Oildale
Enroll in the Best Oildale Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short amount 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 usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Oildale California.
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