Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Bangor Maine
The most important first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist program near Bangor ME. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to consider also, including the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the duties 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 Bangor ME practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Bangor ME 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 almost 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 practical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college can be a great option for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Bangor ME home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bangor ME, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going 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 ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bangor ME employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Bangor ME dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to receive 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bangor ME dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Bangor ME dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bangor ME area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Bangor ME in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Bangor
Pick the Best Bangor Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bangor Maine.
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