Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near San Pedro California
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist school near San Pedro CA. But before you can make your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing 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 comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the San Pedro CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results 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
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in San Pedro CA dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your San Pedro CA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in San Pedro CA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at 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 final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order 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 receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. San Pedro CA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local San Pedro CA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to obtain 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 working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the San Pedro CA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the San Pedro CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience 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 depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the San Pedro CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near San Pedro CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in San Pedro
Choose the Right San Pedro Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative 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 several alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in San Pedro California.
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