Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Mableton Georgia
A critical first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Mableton GA. However, you must examine and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and should 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 complete. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Mableton GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Mableton GA dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a viable option for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Mableton GA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mableton GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Mableton GA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Mableton GA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective way to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Mableton GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting 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 profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Mableton GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 schools, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Mableton GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Mableton GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Mableton
Enroll in the Best Mableton Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is crucial 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 available to acquire 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 community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Mableton Georgia.
Mableton Dental Hygienist Schools Online | Mableton Dental Hygienist Colleges