Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Select the Best One Near Auburn Maine
Picking the right dental hygienist program near Auburn ME is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Auburn ME dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Auburn ME 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a great option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Auburn ME home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically 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 appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Auburn ME, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Auburn ME employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want 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 Auburn ME dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Auburn ME dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Auburn ME dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Auburn ME area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, 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 must attend classes near Auburn ME at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Auburn
Choose the Best Auburn Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Auburn Maine.
Auburn Dental Hygienist Programs | Auburn How To Become A Dental Hygienist