Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near Potomac Maryland
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Potomac MD is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 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 more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental 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 roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Potomac MD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Potomac MD dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a great option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Potomac MD home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Potomac MD, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Potomac MD employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Potomac MD dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way 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 form professional relationships in the Potomac MD dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Potomac MD dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Potomac MD dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 colleges, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Potomac MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Potomac MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need 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 due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Potomac
Pick the Right Potomac Dental Hygienist School
Choosing 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 you now know, there are many alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Potomac Maryland.
Potomac Dental Hygienist Courses | Potomac Dental Hygienist Programs Online