Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Dalton Georgia
A critical first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist college near Dalton GA. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and should be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists typically 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 more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues 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 provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Dalton GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Dalton GA dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Dalton GA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Dalton GA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options also. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Dalton GA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides adequate 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 school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Dalton GA dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Dalton GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance landing their first job. Check if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Dalton GA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Dalton GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Dalton GA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Dalton GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required 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 because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Dalton
Enroll in the Best Dalton Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Dalton Georgia.
Dalton Dental Hygienist Schools Online | Dalton Dental Hygienist Colleges