Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near Atlanta Georgia
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Atlanta GA is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must examine and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the training programs available.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Atlanta GA dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a good alternative for getting your training. 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 accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Atlanta GA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Atlanta GA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Atlanta GA employers frequently desire 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 programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Atlanta GA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive 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 establish professional relationships in the Atlanta GA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Atlanta GA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Atlanta GA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered 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 assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Atlanta GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Atlanta
Enroll in the Best Atlanta Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right 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 numerous options offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period 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 generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided 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 Atlanta Georgia.
Atlanta Dental Hygienist Schools | Atlanta Dental Hygiene Schools