Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Right One Near New Smyrna Beach Florida
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist school near New Smyrna Beach FL. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to 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 provided.
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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 probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the New Smyrna Beach FL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in New Smyrna Beach 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 finish 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a great option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your New Smyrna Beach FL home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for 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 clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in New Smyrna Beach FL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should 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 assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. New Smyrna Beach FL employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose 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, check that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local New Smyrna Beach FL dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive hands-on, practical 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 New Smyrna Beach FL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the New Smyrna Beach FL dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the New Smyrna Beach FL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the New Smyrna Beach FL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near New Smyrna Beach FL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in New Smyrna Beach
Choose the Right New Smyrna Beach Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in New Smyrna Beach Florida.
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