Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Takoma Park Maryland
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Takoma Park MD is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, including the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Takoma Park MD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Takoma Park MD dental offices are usually 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 practical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Takoma Park MD home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Takoma Park MD, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 establish that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Takoma Park MD employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Takoma Park MD dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to obtain 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Takoma Park MD dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Takoma Park MD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to 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 comparing 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 ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Takoma Park MD area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly 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 enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Takoma Park
Pick the Right Takoma Park Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Takoma Park Maryland.
Takoma Park Dental Hygienist Programs | Takoma Park How To Become A Dental Hygienist