Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near Delray Beach Florida
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist program near Delray Beach FL. But before you can make your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and must 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. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Delray Beach FL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Delray Beach FL dental practices are often required to hold 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 virtually 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 practical component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a viable option for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Delray Beach FL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office 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 mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Delray Beach FL, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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 establish that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Delray Beach FL employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Delray Beach FL dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to get 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 look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Delray Beach FL dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Delray Beach 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 Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Delray Beach FL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Delray Beach FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have 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 work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Delray Beach
Pick the Best Delray Beach Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. 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 commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Delray Beach Florida.
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