Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Simi Valley California
Picking the right dental hygienist college near Simi Valley CA is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. And therefore there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the duties 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 Simi Valley CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- 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 as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Simi Valley CA dental offices are usually required to hold 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a good option for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Simi Valley CA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Simi Valley CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending 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 receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Simi Valley CA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Simi Valley CA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the best 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 Simi Valley CA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Simi Valley CA dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Simi Valley CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Simi Valley CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Simi Valley CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure 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 Simi Valley
Choose the Right Simi Valley Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial 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 available to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Simi Valley California.
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