Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Select the Right One Near Fort Washington Maryland
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist school near Fort Washington MD. But prior to making your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Fort Washington MD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Fort Washington 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. 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 offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Fort Washington MD home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fort Washington MD, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options also. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Fort Washington MD employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides adequate 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, make sure that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Fort Washington MD dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best 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 build professional relationships in the Fort Washington MD dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing 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 Fort Washington MD dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Fort Washington MD dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add 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 grants, loans and scholarships in the Fort Washington MD area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Fort Washington MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, 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 have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Fort Washington
Choose the Right Fort Washington Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options available to acquire 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, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Fort Washington Maryland.
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