Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Sacramento California
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Sacramento CA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other significant issues to take into account also, such as the college's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating 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 Description
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Sacramento CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Sacramento 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Sacramento CA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be completed at a community 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 style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Sacramento CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Sacramento CA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Sacramento CA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to get 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 professional relationships in the Sacramento CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Sacramento CA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal 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 sit in on a couple of classes at the Sacramento CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense 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 variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Sacramento CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Sacramento CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Sacramento
Pick the Right Sacramento Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to acquire your education 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 junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Sacramento California.
Sacramento Dental Hygienist Schools Online | Sacramento Dental Hygienist Colleges