Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Rohnert Park California
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Rohnert Park CA is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Rohnert Park CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Rohnert Park CA dental practices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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 clinical component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Rohnert Park CA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Rohnert Park CA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Rohnert Park CA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Rohnert Park CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Rohnert Park CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Rohnert Park CA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Rohnert Park CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as 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 significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Rohnert Park CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Rohnert Park CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Rohnert Park
Pick the Best Rohnert Park Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal 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 many alternatives offered to receive your education 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, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two 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 elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Rohnert Park California.
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