Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Right One Near Augusta Maine
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist school near Augusta ME. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other crucial factors to take into account as well, including the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Augusta 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a good option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Augusta ME home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Augusta ME, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing 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 right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Augusta ME employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Augusta ME dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Augusta ME dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Augusta ME dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to 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 comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Augusta ME area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Augusta ME in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Augusta
Pick the Right Augusta Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose 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 in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Augusta Maine.
Augusta Dental Hygienist Colleges | Augusta Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me