Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Right One Near Lawrenceville Georgia
Picking the right dental hygienist program near Lawrenceville GA is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these factors 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 duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Lawrenceville GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting 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 findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lawrenceville GA dental offices are generally 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 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 clinical component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind 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 via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Lawrenceville GA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lawrenceville GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options also. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lawrenceville GA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Lawrenceville GA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Lawrenceville GA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lawrenceville GA dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Lawrenceville GA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lawrenceville GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Lawrenceville GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, 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 need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lawrenceville
Choose the Right Lawrenceville Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two 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 choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lawrenceville Georgia.
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