Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Newport Kentucky
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Newport KY is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other important issues to take into account also, including the school's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Newport KY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every 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 responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Newport KY dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish 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. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a great option for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Newport KY home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Newport KY, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Newport KY employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose provides sufficient 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 school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Newport KY dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Newport KY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Newport KY dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Newport KY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Newport KY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Newport KY at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical 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 issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Newport
Choose the Right Newport Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Newport Kentucky.
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