Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Baltimore Maryland
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist school near Baltimore MD. But before you can make your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. Selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating 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 Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Baltimore MD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Baltimore MD dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete 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. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Baltimore MD home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Baltimore MD, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online options also. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement 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 ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Baltimore MD employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select offers enough 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, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Baltimore MD dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help 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 also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Baltimore MD dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Baltimore MD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether 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 commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Baltimore MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Baltimore MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Baltimore
Enroll in the Right Baltimore Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Baltimore Maryland.
Baltimore Dental Hygienist Programs | Baltimore How To Become A Dental Hygienist