Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Right One Near Tucker Georgia
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Tucker GA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is far more to doing your due diligence than choosing the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties 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 biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Tucker GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also 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 hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Tucker GA dental practices are usually 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in trade and vocational 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a viable alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Tucker 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. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Tucker GA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options also. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Tucker GA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Tucker GA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to obtain 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 create professional relationships in the Tucker GA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Find out 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 Tucker GA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Tucker GA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Tucker GA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Tucker GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Tucker
Pick the Right Tucker Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right 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 numerous alternatives offered to acquire your education 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 schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Tucker Georgia.
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