Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Best One Near Lakeside Florida
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Lakeside FL is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. Picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other significant factors to take into account as well, for instance the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing 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 role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Lakeside FL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often 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 perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lakeside FL dental offices are usually 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for getting your training. 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 accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Lakeside FL home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lakeside FL, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order 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 instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lakeside FL employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lakeside FL dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive 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 Lakeside FL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lakeside FL dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Lakeside FL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lakeside FL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Lakeside FL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol 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 Lakeside
Choose the Best Lakeside Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives available to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lakeside Florida.
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