Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Prunedale California
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Prunedale CA is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, such as the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 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 prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Prunedale CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Prunedale CA dental practices are usually 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 nearly 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 practical component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just remember 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 provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Prunedale CA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed 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 furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Prunedale CA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Prunedale CA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Prunedale CA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to receive hands-on, practical 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 professional relationships in the Prunedale CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Find out 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 Prunedale CA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Prunedale 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 Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Prunedale CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Prunedale CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical 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 issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Prunedale
Choose the Best Prunedale Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Prunedale California.
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