Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Winter Haven Florida
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist college near Winter Haven FL. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, such as the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Winter Haven FL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Winter Haven FL dental practices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a good option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes 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 personal computer in the comfort of your Winter Haven 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. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added 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 practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Winter Haven FL, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for some online options also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to make 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 a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement 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 instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Winter Haven FL employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Winter Haven FL dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to get hands-on, practical 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Winter Haven FL dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Winter Haven FL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example 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 expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Winter Haven FL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Winter Haven FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Winter Haven
Pick the Right Winter Haven Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking 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 commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Winter Haven Florida.
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