Alexandria	Baker	Baton Rouge
Bayou Cane	Belle Chasse	Bossier City
Central	Chalmette	Crowley
Estelle	Gretna	Hammond
Harvey	Houma	Kenner
Lafayette	Lake Charles	Laplace
Luling	Marrero	Metairie
Minden	Monroe	Moss Bluff
Natchitoches	New Iberia	New Orleans
Opelousas	Pineville	Prairieville
River Ridge	Ruston	Shenandoah
Shreveport	Slidell	Sulphur
Terrytown	Thibodaux	West Monroe
Youngsville	Zachary

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below

Dental Hygienist Job Functions

When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Louisiana 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 gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:

• Removing plaque, tartar and stains
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Instructing patients regarding oral care
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam as well as any state licensure exams. When they have fulfilled these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the "RDH" designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Degree Options

Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Louisiana dental offices are often 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 practical aspect to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Louisiana home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.

Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Louisiana

 

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