Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Find the Right One Near Frederick Maryland
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Frederick MD. However, you must examine and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Frederick MD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Frederick MD dental practices are normally 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 practical component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Frederick MD home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Frederick MD, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Frederick MD employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Frederick MD dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to obtain 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering 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 Frederick MD dental community in addition to broad 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 big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Frederick MD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges 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 expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Frederick MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Frederick MD in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Frederick
Pick the Right Frederick Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 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 presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Frederick Maryland.
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