Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Best One Near South Bend Indiana
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near South Bend IN is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and should be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the South Bend IN 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 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 carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in South Bend IN dental offices are generally 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 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your South Bend IN home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in South Bend IN, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college 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 intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order 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. South Bend IN employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local South Bend IN dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means 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 develop 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 schools require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the South Bend IN dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the South Bend IN dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the South Bend IN area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near South Bend IN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in South Bend
Enroll in the Right South Bend Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in South Bend Indiana.
South Bend Dental Hygienist Programs | South Bend How To Become A Dental Hygienist