Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Dunwoody Georgia
Picking the right dental hygienist college near Dunwoody GA is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Selecting the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Dunwoody GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Dunwoody GA dental practices are often 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 nearly 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Dunwoody GA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Dunwoody GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Dunwoody GA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Dunwoody GA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Dunwoody GA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Dunwoody 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 Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Dunwoody GA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Dunwoody GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Dunwoody
Choose the Best Dunwoody Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Dunwoody Georgia.
Dunwoody Dental Hygiene Schools | Dunwoody Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me