Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Right One Near Griffin Georgia
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Griffin GA. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the right way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role 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 Griffin GA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Griffin GA dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Griffin GA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be performed 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 provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the ideal choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Griffin GA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, 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. Griffin GA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Griffin GA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to receive hands-on, clinical 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 develop professional relationships in the Griffin GA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Griffin GA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Griffin GA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with 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 colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make 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 school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Griffin GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Griffin
Choose the Right Griffin Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Griffin Georgia.
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