Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Fort Washington Maryland
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Fort Washington MD is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And consequently there is a higher cost 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 need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Fort Washington MD dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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 practical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Fort Washington MD home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fort Washington MD, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options also. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Fort Washington MD employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. 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 Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Fort Washington MD dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for 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 too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Fort Washington MD dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Ask the schools you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Fort Washington MD dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Fort Washington MD area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Fort Washington MD in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Fort Washington
Choose the Right Fort Washington Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right 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 a number of options available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. 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 provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Fort Washington Maryland.
Fort Washington Dental Hygienist Colleges | Fort Washington Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me