Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Erlanger Kentucky
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Erlanger KY is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Erlanger KY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Erlanger KY dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a great option for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Erlanger KY home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Erlanger KY, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Erlanger KY employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Erlanger KY dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to get 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 professional relationships in the Erlanger KY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Erlanger KY dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Erlanger KY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Erlanger KY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Erlanger KY at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, 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 need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Erlanger
Choose the Right Erlanger Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is important 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 a number of alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Erlanger Kentucky.
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