Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Best One Near West Sacramento California
The most important first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist school near West Sacramento CA. But prior to making your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the West Sacramento CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in West Sacramento CA dental practices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 trade and technical 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 dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your West Sacramento CA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in West Sacramento CA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. West Sacramento CA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local West Sacramento CA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the West Sacramento CA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the West Sacramento CA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the West Sacramento CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near West Sacramento CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in West Sacramento
Pick the Right West Sacramento Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing 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 start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in West Sacramento California.
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