Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Right One Near Peachtree City Georgia
Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Peachtree City GA is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. There are other significant factors to take into account also, including the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Peachtree City GA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Peachtree City GA dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Peachtree City GA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Peachtree City GA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at 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 ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Peachtree City GA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Peachtree City GA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Peachtree City GA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Peachtree City GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Peachtree City GA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Peachtree City GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose 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 have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Peachtree City
Pick the Best Peachtree City Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Peachtree City Georgia.
Peachtree City Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Peachtree City Dental Hygienist Programs