Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Snellville Georgia
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Snellville GA is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must examine and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at 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 Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Snellville GA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Snellville GA dental offices are normally 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 nearly 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a viable option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Snellville GA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Snellville GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Snellville GA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Snellville GA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain hands-on, practical 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Snellville GA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Snellville GA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Snellville GA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Snellville 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 practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Snellville
Enroll in the Right Snellville Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose 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 better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Snellville Georgia.
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