Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Decatur Georgia
Picking the right dental hygienist college near Decatur GA is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to take into account also, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties 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 contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Decatur GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. 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 responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Decatur GA dental practices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Decatur GA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Decatur GA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Decatur GA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Decatur GA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the best way 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 build professional relationships in the Decatur GA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing 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 Decatur GA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Decatur GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 examining the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Decatur GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Decatur GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in 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 have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Decatur
Pick the Right Decatur Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is essential 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 numerous alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Decatur Georgia.
Decatur Dental Hygienist Programs | Decatur How To Become A Dental Hygienist