Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Maitland Florida
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Maitland FL is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. There are other crucial factors to take into account as well, such as the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues 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 roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Maitland FL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every 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 can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Maitland FL dental practices are usually 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a good alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Maitland FL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical 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 receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Maitland FL, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. 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 guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Maitland FL employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Maitland FL dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the best 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 build professional relationships in the Maitland FL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help getting 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 Maitland FL dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Maitland FL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Maitland FL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Maitland FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, 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 How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Maitland
Pick the Best Maitland Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Maitland Florida.
Maitland Dental Hygienist Colleges | Maitland Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me