Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Newton Iowa
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Newton IA is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Newton IA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Newton IA dental offices are generally 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 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Newton IA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Newton IA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for some online options also. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Newton IA 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, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical 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 regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in 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, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Newton IA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Newton IA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Newton IA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Newton IA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Newton IA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in 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 work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Newton
Pick the Right Newton Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is essential 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 many alternatives available to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing 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 begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Newton Iowa.
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