Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Hialeah Gardens Florida
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program near Hialeah Gardens FL is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other important issues to consider also, including the college's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Hialeah Gardens FL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Hialeah Gardens FL dental practices are normally required to hold 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 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 clinical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a good option for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Hialeah Gardens FL home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be completed at a community 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 dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Hialeah Gardens FL, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Although these are significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Hialeah Gardens FL employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select provides sufficient 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, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Hialeah Gardens FL dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best method 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 Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Hialeah Gardens FL dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Hialeah Gardens FL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Hialeah Gardens FL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Hialeah Gardens FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Hialeah Gardens
Pick the Right Hialeah Gardens Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Hialeah Gardens Florida.
Hialeah Gardens Dental Hygienist Colleges | Hialeah Gardens Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me