Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near Roswell Georgia
The most important first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist school near Roswell GA. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and must be taken into account as well. 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 finish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Roswell GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Roswell GA dental practices are generally 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 finish 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Roswell GA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Roswell GA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to 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 assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Roswell GA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Roswell GA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to get 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 form professional relationships in the Roswell GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Roswell GA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Roswell GA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if 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 commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Roswell GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Roswell GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Roswell
Choose the Best Roswell Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire 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 community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing 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 commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Roswell Georgia.
Roswell Dental Hygienist Programs | Roswell How To Become A Dental Hygienist