Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Placentia California
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Placentia CA is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Placentia CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Placentia CA dental practices 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 finish 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for receiving 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 provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Placentia CA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Placentia CA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Placentia CA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Placentia CA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to receive 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 create professional relationships in the Placentia CA dentistry 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 researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Placentia CA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Placentia CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Placentia CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Placentia CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Placentia
Enroll in the Right Placentia Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning 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 better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Placentia California.
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