Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Lewiston Idaho
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist college near Lewiston ID. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Lewiston ID dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lewiston ID dental practices are usually 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 almost 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a good option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Lewiston ID home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental office 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 education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lewiston ID, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lewiston ID employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lewiston ID dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lewiston ID dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Lewiston ID dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lewiston ID area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Lewiston ID at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Lewiston
Pick the Best Lewiston Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period 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 generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect 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 selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lewiston Idaho.
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