Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Find the Right One Near Miami Lakes Florida
A critical first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near Miami Lakes FL. But prior to making your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the job 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 Miami Lakes FL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial 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 may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Miami Lakes FL dental practices are normally required to have 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 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Miami Lakes FL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Miami Lakes FL, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial points 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 provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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. Miami Lakes FL employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose offers enough 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, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Miami Lakes FL dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means 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 Miami Lakes FL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Miami Lakes FL dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Miami Lakes FL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Miami Lakes FL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Miami Lakes FL at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Miami Lakes
Pick the Best Miami Lakes Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Miami Lakes Florida.
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