Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Saint Charles Maryland
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Saint Charles MD. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. Picking the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Saint Charles MD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Saint Charles MD dental practices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete 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 offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can 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 rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Saint Charles MD home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Saint Charles MD, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Saint Charles MD employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Saint Charles MD dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Saint Charles MD dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Saint Charles MD dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Saint Charles MD dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Saint Charles MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Saint Charles MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, 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 need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Saint Charles
Enroll in the Best Saint Charles Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing 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 we have covered, there are many options available to obtain 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 programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning 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 provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Saint Charles Maryland.
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