Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Union City Georgia
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist school near Union City GA. But before you can make your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation 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 consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Union City GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Union City GA dental offices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Union City GA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Union City GA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Union City GA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Union City GA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, clinical 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 establish professional relationships in the Union City GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Union City GA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Union City GA dental hygienist college 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 Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Union City 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 accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Union City GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Union City
Choose the Best Union City Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to receive your education 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, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Union City Georgia.
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