Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Merritt Island Florida
A critical first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist program near Merritt Island FL. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Merritt Island FL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results 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
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Merritt Island FL dental offices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a viable option for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Merritt Island FL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Merritt Island FL, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Merritt Island FL employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like 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 Merritt Island FL dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Merritt Island FL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Merritt Island FL dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Merritt Island FL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 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 Merritt Island FL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Merritt Island FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Merritt Island
Enroll in the Best Merritt Island Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose 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 begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Merritt Island Florida.
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