Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Pikesville Maryland
The most important first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist program near Pikesville MD. But prior to making your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other significant issues to take into account as well, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore 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 assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Pikesville MD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Pikesville 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Pikesville MD home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pikesville MD, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Pikesville MD employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Pikesville MD dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method 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 professional relationships in the Pikesville MD dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Pikesville MD dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Pikesville MD dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Pikesville MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Pikesville MD in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Pikesville
Choose the Right Pikesville Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, 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 obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Pikesville Maryland.
Pikesville Dental Hygienist Programs | Pikesville How To Become A Dental Hygienist