Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Best One Near Clarksville Indiana
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Clarksville IN is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the right way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting 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 Clarksville IN dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Clarksville IN dental offices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in trade and technical 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 offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Clarksville IN home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Clarksville IN, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Clarksville IN employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Clarksville IN dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to get 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 establish professional relationships in the Clarksville IN dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Clarksville IN dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Clarksville IN dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Clarksville IN area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Clarksville IN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need 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 because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Clarksville
Choose the Best Clarksville Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to attend 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 best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Clarksville Indiana.
Clarksville Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Clarksville Dental Hygienist Degree