Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Right One Near Bedford Indiana
Picking the right dental hygienist program near Bedford IN is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other significant issues to consider as well, including the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Bedford IN dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Bedford IN dental practices are usually 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 complete 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Bedford IN home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bedford IN, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Although these may be important 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. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bedford IN employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Bedford IN dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Bedford IN dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bedford IN dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Bedford IN dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bedford IN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Bedford IN at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bedford
Enroll in the Right Bedford Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bedford Indiana.
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