Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Best One Near Griffin Georgia
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist school near Griffin GA. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Choosing the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, for instance the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Griffin GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings 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
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Griffin GA dental offices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete 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 aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Griffin GA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Griffin GA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Even though these are significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal 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 program. If you are going 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Griffin GA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers sufficient 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, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Griffin GA dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Griffin GA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Griffin GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Griffin GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Griffin GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Griffin
Choose the Best Griffin Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short amount 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 typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Griffin Georgia.
Griffin Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Griffin Dental Hygienist Programs