Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Cedar Rapids Iowa
Picking the right dental hygienist college near Cedar Rapids IA is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other important issues to consider also, such as the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties 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 independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Cedar Rapids IA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one 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 present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Cedar Rapids IA dental practices 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a viable alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Cedar Rapids IA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Cedar Rapids IA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options also. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Cedar Rapids IA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Cedar Rapids IA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to get hands-on, practical 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 professional relationships in the Cedar Rapids IA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Cedar Rapids IA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Cedar Rapids IA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs 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 comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Cedar Rapids IA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Cedar Rapids IA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, 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 because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Cedar Rapids
Pick the Right Cedar Rapids Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide 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 begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Cedar Rapids Iowa.
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