Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Catonsville Maryland
The most important first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist college near Catonsville MD. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other significant issues to take into account also, including the school's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually 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 therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Catonsville MD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Catonsville MD dental offices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a good alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Catonsville MD home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. 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 necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Catonsville MD, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online options also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning 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 training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Catonsville MD employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Catonsville MD dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Catonsville MD dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Catonsville MD dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Catonsville MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Catonsville MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Catonsville
Choose the Right Catonsville Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided 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 Catonsville Maryland.
Catonsville Dental Hygiene Schools | Catonsville Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me