Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Right One Near Petaluma California
Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Petaluma CA is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. Choosing 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 reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should 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 most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues 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 training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Petaluma CA dental practices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Petaluma CA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Petaluma CA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Petaluma CA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Petaluma CA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Petaluma CA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are reviewing how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Petaluma CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Petaluma CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Petaluma CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Petaluma
Pick the Right Petaluma Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly 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 schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Petaluma California.
Petaluma Dental Hygienist Programs | Petaluma How To Become A Dental Hygienist