Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Select the Right One Near West Covina California
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist college near West Covina CA. But prior to making your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the West Covina CA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in West Covina CA dental offices are generally 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 virtually 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 Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind 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 accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your West Covina CA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in West Covina CA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. West Covina CA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like 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 West Covina CA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the West Covina CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the West Covina CA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the West Covina CA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ 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 if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the West Covina CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near West Covina CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in West Covina
Enroll in the Best West Covina Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. 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 West Covina California.
West Covina Dental Hygienist Programs | West Covina How To Become A Dental Hygienist