Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Mableton Georgia
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program near Mableton GA is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other important factors to take into account also, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually 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. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Mableton GA dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in trade and technical 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. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a great alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Mableton GA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mableton GA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program 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. Mableton GA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide 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 want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Mableton GA dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. 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 working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Mableton GA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Mableton GA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if 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, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Mableton GA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Mableton GA in the evenings 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 procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Mableton
Enroll in the Right Mableton Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal 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 a number of alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Mableton Georgia.
Mableton Dental Hygienist Programs | Mableton How To Become A Dental Hygienist