Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Edgewood Maryland
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist college near Edgewood MD is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Edgewood MD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results 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
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Edgewood MD dental practices are usually required to hold 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 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a great option for receiving 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 provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Edgewood MD home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Edgewood MD, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided 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 School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Edgewood MD employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Edgewood MD dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means 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 create professional relationships in the Edgewood MD dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Edgewood MD dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Edgewood MD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. 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 examining the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Edgewood MD area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Edgewood MD in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Edgewood
Choose the Best Edgewood Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount 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 normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. 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 best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Edgewood Maryland.
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