Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Select the Right One Near East Point Georgia
The most important first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near East Point GA. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other important issues to take into account also, including the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the East Point GA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically 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. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in East Point GA dental offices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a great option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your East Point GA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in East Point GA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. East Point GA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local East Point GA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the East Point GA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the East Point GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public 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 add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the East Point GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near East Point GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in East Point
Choose the Right East Point Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program 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 several options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in East Point Georgia.
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