Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Berea Kentucky
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Berea KY is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. Choosing the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other crucial issues to take into account also, such as the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Berea KY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Berea KY dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Berea KY home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area 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 style of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Berea KY, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college 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. Berea KY employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Berea KY dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method 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 look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Berea KY dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Berea KY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Berea KY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Berea KY at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Berea
Enroll in the Best Berea Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Berea Kentucky.
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