Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Beltsville Maryland
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist program near Beltsville MD. But prior to making your choice, 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 home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial 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 2 to 3 years to accomplish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing 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 Functions
When contrasting 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 Beltsville MD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Beltsville MD dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 practical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a great alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Beltsville MD home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Beltsville MD, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Beltsville MD employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Beltsville MD dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to obtain 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 develop professional relationships in the Beltsville MD dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Beltsville MD dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Beltsville MD dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Beltsville MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Beltsville MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you select 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 need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Beltsville
Enroll in the Best Beltsville Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. 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 appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Beltsville Maryland.
Beltsville Dental Hygienist Programs | Beltsville How To Become A Dental Hygienist