Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Right One Near Pooler Georgia
A critical first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Pooler GA. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options before you can make 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 school that is nearest to your home. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Pooler GA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may 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 hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Pooler GA dental offices are usually 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program 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 desktop computer in the convenience of your Pooler GA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pooler GA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important 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 requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Pooler GA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Pooler GA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Pooler GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Pooler GA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Pooler GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Pooler GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Pooler GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Pooler
Choose the Right Pooler Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to acquire 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 obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Pooler Georgia.
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