Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Best One Near North Laurel Maryland
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist college near North Laurel MD. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues 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 two to three years to complete. And therefore there is more expense associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the North Laurel MD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in North Laurel MD dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your North Laurel MD home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in North Laurel MD, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 ensure that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. North Laurel MD employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local North Laurel MD dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective 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 working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the North Laurel MD dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the North Laurel MD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs 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 colleges, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the North Laurel MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near North Laurel MD in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in North Laurel
Enroll in the Best North Laurel Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in North Laurel Maryland.
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