Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Takoma Park Maryland
A critical first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist school near Takoma Park MD. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Selecting the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Takoma Park MD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Takoma Park MD dental offices are generally 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 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. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Takoma Park MD home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting 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 online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Takoma Park MD, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Takoma Park MD employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Takoma Park MD dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Takoma Park MD dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Takoma Park MD dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Takoma Park MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Takoma Park MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical 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 Takoma Park
Enroll in the Best Takoma Park Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to acquire 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 community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Takoma Park Maryland.
Takoma Park Dental Hygienist Programs Online | Takoma Park Dental Hygienist Schools