Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Edgewater Florida
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist college near Edgewater FL. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to doing your due diligence than choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Edgewater FL dentists and the practice. 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 encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Edgewater FL dental practices are often 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Edgewater FL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the right choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Edgewater FL, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Edgewater FL employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Edgewater FL dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Edgewater FL dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Edgewater FL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to 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 schools, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Edgewater FL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Edgewater FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Edgewater
Enroll in the Best Edgewater Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Edgewater Florida.
Edgewater Dental Hygienist Degree | Edgewater Dental Hygienist Schools Online