Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Right One Near Lithia Springs Georgia
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist college near Lithia Springs GA. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job 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 Lithia Springs GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums 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 tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Lithia Springs GA dental practices are generally 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 community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Lithia Springs GA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. 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 necessary to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lithia Springs GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many 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 requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lithia Springs GA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lithia Springs GA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Lithia Springs GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lithia Springs GA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Lithia Springs GA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in 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 colleges can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lithia Springs GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Lithia Springs GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select 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 need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Lithia Springs
Choose the Best Lithia Springs Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives available to receive your training 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 junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. 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 selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lithia Springs Georgia.
Lithia Springs Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Lithia Springs Dental Hygienist Programs