Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Clarkston Georgia
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Clarkston GA. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other crucial factors to take into account as well, for instance the school's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover 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 review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Clarkston GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial 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 carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Clarkston GA dental practices are normally 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 community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. 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 Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Clarkston GA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental office 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 dedication for this mode of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Clarkston GA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online options also. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly 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 establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Clarkston GA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Clarkston GA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective 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 look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Clarkston GA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Clarkston GA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Clarkston GA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Clarkston GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Clarkston
Pick the Best Clarkston Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning 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 provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Clarkston Georgia.
Clarkston Dental Hygiene Schools | Clarkston Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me