Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Best One Near Atlanta Georgia
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist college near Atlanta GA is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other important issues to take into account also, for instance the school'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 typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Atlanta GA dental offices are often required to hold 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 technical 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a good option for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Atlanta GA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the right option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Atlanta GA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing 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 final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Atlanta GA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Atlanta GA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive hands-on, practical 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Atlanta GA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Atlanta GA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Atlanta GA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify 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 must go to classes near Atlanta GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Atlanta
Enroll in the Best Atlanta Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program 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 several options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Atlanta Georgia.
Atlanta Dental Hygienist Programs | Atlanta How To Become A Dental Hygienist