Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Roswell Georgia

The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Roswell GA. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. Choosing the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and must be taken into account as well. 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 more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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Dental Hygienist Job Functions

When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Roswell GA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:

• Removing plaque, tartar and stains
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

To qualify for licensing in nearly all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensing examinations. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are considered fully licensed and may add the "RDH" designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Roswell GA dental offices are normally 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 virtually 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 practical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Colleges

Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a great option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Roswell GA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Roswell GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Roswell GA employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Roswell GA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Roswell GA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Roswell GA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Roswell GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.

 What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Roswell GA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must go to classes near Roswell GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Roswell

Pick the Best Roswell Dental Hygienist School

Picking the right dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Roswell Georgia.
 

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