Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Best One Near San Diego California
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near San Diego CA. But before you can make your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other important issues to consider also, for instance the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools 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 comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the San Diego CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in San Diego CA dental practices are often 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 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a good option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your San Diego CA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice 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 dedication for this method of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in San Diego CA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid 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. 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 establish that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. San Diego CA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local San Diego CA dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to obtain 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the San Diego CA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the San Diego CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the San Diego CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify 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 have to go to classes near San Diego CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in San Diego
Pick the Best San Diego Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in San Diego California.
San Diego Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | San Diego Dental Hygienist Degree