Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Pick the Best One Near North Laurel Maryland
The most important first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist college near North Laurel MD. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Selecting the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other important factors to consider also, including the program's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges 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 biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the North Laurel MD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal 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 also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in North Laurel MD dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in trade and vocational 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 dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your North Laurel MD home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in North Laurel MD, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. North Laurel MD employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local North Laurel MD dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the North Laurel MD dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the North Laurel MD dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the North Laurel MD dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 schools, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the North Laurel MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near North Laurel MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in North Laurel
Choose the Right North Laurel Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in North Laurel Maryland.
North Laurel Dental Hygiene Schools | North Laurel Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me