Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Thibodaux Louisiana
Choosing the right dental hygienist college near Thibodaux LA is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles 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 assists the Thibodaux LA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Thibodaux LA dental offices are generally 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 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 clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Thibodaux LA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Thibodaux LA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify 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 instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Thibodaux LA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Thibodaux LA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means 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 form professional relationships in the Thibodaux LA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Thibodaux LA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Thibodaux LA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Thibodaux LA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Thibodaux LA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, 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 have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Thibodaux
Choose the Best Thibodaux Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Thibodaux Louisiana.
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