Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Augusta Georgia
The most important first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Augusta GA. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting 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 Augusta GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Augusta GA dental practices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Augusta GA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right option for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Augusta GA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at 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 ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Augusta GA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Augusta GA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to obtain 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools 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 Augusta GA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Augusta GA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Augusta GA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Augusta GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Augusta
Choose the Right Augusta Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Augusta Georgia.
Augusta Dental Hygienist Programs | Augusta How To Become A Dental Hygienist