Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Shafter California
The most important first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist college near Shafter CA. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, for instance the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Shafter CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Shafter CA dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three 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 clinical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Shafter 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 obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Shafter CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify 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 education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Shafter CA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Shafter CA dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to get 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 professional relationships in the Shafter CA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Shafter CA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Shafter CA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Shafter CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Shafter CA at nights 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 policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Shafter
Enroll in the Right Shafter Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 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 decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Shafter California.
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