Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Choose the Right One Near West Monroe Louisiana
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist school near West Monroe LA. But prior to making your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the West Monroe LA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees 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. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in West Monroe LA dental practices 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 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 Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a great alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your West Monroe LA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in West Monroe LA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. 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 Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. West Monroe LA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local West Monroe LA dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, clinical 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 develop professional relationships in the West Monroe LA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the West Monroe LA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the West Monroe LA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the West Monroe LA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near West Monroe LA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have 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.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in West Monroe
Choose the Best West Monroe Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of 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 education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in West Monroe Louisiana.
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