Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Great Bend Kansas
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Great Bend KS is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally 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 a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
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 assists the Great Bend KS practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Great Bend KS 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 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 clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a viable option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Great Bend KS home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Great Bend KS, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online options as well. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, 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 guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Great Bend KS employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Great Bend KS dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Great Bend KS dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Great Bend KS dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classes 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 practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Great Bend KS dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost 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 factors, for example 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 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 colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Great Bend KS area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Great Bend KS at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need 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 because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Great Bend
Enroll in the Right Great Bend Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options offered to obtain your training 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 junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Great Bend Kansas.
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