Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near South Pasadena California
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist college near South Pasadena CA. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at 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 most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the South Pasadena CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in South Pasadena CA dental practices are normally 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 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a good option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your South Pasadena CA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually 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 appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in South Pasadena CA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. South Pasadena CA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you enroll in offers enough 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 select offers clinical rotation in a local South Pasadena CA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real 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 South Pasadena CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the South Pasadena CA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the South Pasadena CA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example 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 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 schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the South Pasadena CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near South Pasadena CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in South Pasadena
Choose the Best South Pasadena Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in South Pasadena California.
South Pasadena Dental Hygienist Schools | South Pasadena Dental Hygiene Schools