Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Niceville Florida
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Niceville FL is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other important factors to take into account as well, for instance the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs 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 Functions
When contrasting the role 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 in support of the Niceville FL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Niceville FL dental offices are normally 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 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a good option for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Niceville FL home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be completed at an area 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 dedication for this style of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Niceville FL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Niceville FL employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Niceville FL dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to obtain 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Niceville FL dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Ask the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Niceville FL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Niceville FL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Niceville FL at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Niceville
Pick the Right Niceville Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered 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 junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend 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 Niceville Florida.
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