Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Right One Near Coral Gables Florida
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Coral Gables FL is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Coral Gables FL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Coral Gables FL dental practices are generally required to have 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 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Coral Gables FL home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area 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 discipline for this method of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Coral Gables FL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs 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 evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Coral Gables FL employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select 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 are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Coral Gables FL dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Find out if the schools 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 Coral Gables FL dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the programs you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Coral Gables FL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs 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, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Coral Gables FL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Coral Gables FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Coral Gables
Pick the Best Coral Gables Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect 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 better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Coral Gables Florida.
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