Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Catonsville Maryland
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist school near Catonsville MD. However, you must 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 school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. There are other crucial issues to take into account also, such as the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. 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 additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Catonsville MD dental offices are often 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 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 practical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Catonsville MD home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Catonsville MD, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online options also. 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 reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 establish that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Catonsville MD employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select 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 schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Catonsville MD dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Catonsville MD dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Catonsville MD 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 Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check 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 school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Catonsville MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical 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 responsibilities.
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Choose the Best Catonsville Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Catonsville Maryland.
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