Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Choose the Best One Near Redan Georgia
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist school near Redan GA. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. There are other important factors to consider as well, including the school's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Redan GA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Redan GA dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Redan GA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. 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 obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Redan GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Redan GA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in provides adequate 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, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Redan GA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the colleges 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 Redan GA dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Redan GA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Redan GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Redan GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Redan
Choose the Right Redan Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is imperative 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 receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Redan Georgia.
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