Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Yorba Linda California
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Yorba Linda CA is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home 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 usually must spend 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. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing 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 Duties
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Yorba Linda CA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every 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 can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- 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 Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Yorba Linda 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 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a viable option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Yorba Linda CA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice 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 discipline for this style of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Yorba Linda CA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Although these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement 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 establish that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Yorba Linda CA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Yorba Linda CA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to obtain 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 establish professional relationships in the Yorba Linda CA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Yorba Linda CA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Yorba Linda CA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Yorba Linda CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Yorba Linda CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Yorba Linda
Choose the Right Yorba Linda Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Yorba Linda California.
Yorba Linda Dental Hygiene Schools | Yorba Linda Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me