Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Choose the Best One Near San Carlos Park Florida
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program near San Carlos Park FL is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other significant issues to take into account also, including the school's accreditation and reputation. 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. And therefore there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the San Carlos Park FL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in San Carlos Park FL dental offices are often 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 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 clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your San Carlos Park FL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in San Carlos Park FL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, 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 ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. San Carlos Park FL employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local San Carlos Park FL dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way to get hands-on, clinical 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 form professional relationships in the San Carlos Park FL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the San Carlos Park FL dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the San Carlos Park FL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the San Carlos Park FL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near San Carlos Park FL at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in San Carlos Park
Enroll in the Right San Carlos Park Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. 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 commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in San Carlos Park Florida.
San Carlos Park Dental Hygiene Schools | San Carlos Park Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me