Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Marietta Georgia
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist college near Marietta GA. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other significant factors to consider as well, such as the college's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating 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 Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Marietta GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Marietta GA dental offices 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 complete 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 practical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Marietta GA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Marietta GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify 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 education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Marietta GA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Marietta GA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to obtain hands-on, practical 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 form professional relationships in the Marietta GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Marietta GA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Marietta GA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs 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 examining the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Marietta GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Marietta GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Marietta
Pick the Best Marietta Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal 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 you now know, there are a number of options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Marietta Georgia.
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