Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Kettering Maryland
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near Kettering MD. But prior to making your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and should be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Kettering MD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Kettering MD dental practices are normally 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 finish 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a great option for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Kettering MD home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Kettering MD, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify 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 get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Kettering MD employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Kettering MD dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Kettering MD dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Kettering MD dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Kettering MD dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Kettering MD area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Kettering MD in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical 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 Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Kettering
Enroll in the Right Kettering Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course 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 many options offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two 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 presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Kettering Maryland.
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