Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Right One Near Lake Wales Florida
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Lake Wales FL is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating 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 Description
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Lake Wales FL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lake Wales FL dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Lake Wales FL home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the right option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lake Wales FL, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. 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 Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lake Wales FL employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lake Wales FL dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best 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 form professional relationships in the Lake Wales FL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lake Wales FL dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Lake Wales FL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lake Wales FL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Lake Wales FL at nights 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 practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lake Wales
Pick the Best Lake Wales Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is crucial 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 several options available to obtain your training 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 schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lake Wales Florida.
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