Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Pick the Right One Near Bartow Florida
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Bartow FL is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing 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 Description
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Bartow FL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Bartow FL dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a good option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Bartow FL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bartow FL, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bartow FL employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Bartow FL dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to receive 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 build professional relationships in the Bartow FL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bartow FL dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Bartow FL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bartow FL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must 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 need to go to classes near Bartow FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bartow
Enroll in the Right Bartow Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two 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 decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bartow Florida.
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