Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Houma Louisiana
Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Houma LA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Houma LA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Houma LA dental offices are usually 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 nearly 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 sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Houma LA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Houma LA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Houma LA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose 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, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Houma LA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method 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 create professional relationships in the Houma LA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Houma LA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Houma LA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Houma LA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Houma LA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose 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 have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Houma
Pick the Best Houma Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose 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 ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Houma Louisiana.
Houma Dental Hygienist Colleges | Houma Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me