Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Best One Near Silver Lake California
Picking the right dental hygienist program near Silver Lake CA is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. Picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend 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. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
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 in support of the Silver Lake CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Silver Lake CA dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a good option for obtaining 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 remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Silver Lake CA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Silver Lake CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Silver Lake CA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Silver Lake CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Silver Lake CA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Silver Lake CA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Silver Lake CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Silver Lake CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Silver Lake CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Silver Lake
Pick the Best Silver Lake Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Silver Lake California.
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