Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Saint Petersburg Florida
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Saint Petersburg FL is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to analyze and compare your school options. Picking the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Saint Petersburg FL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting 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 room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Saint Petersburg FL dental practices are usually 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Saint Petersburg FL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Saint Petersburg FL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Saint Petersburg FL employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Saint Petersburg FL dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Saint Petersburg FL dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Saint Petersburg FL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Saint Petersburg FL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Saint Petersburg FL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Saint Petersburg
Pick the Best Saint Petersburg Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Saint Petersburg Florida.
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