Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Select the Right One Near Bedford Massachusetts
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Bedford MA is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Bedford MA practice and the dentists. 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 each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Bedford MA dental practices are normally 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 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Bedford MA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bedford MA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bedford MA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Bedford MA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, clinical 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 create professional relationships in the Bedford MA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bedford MA dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Bedford MA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bedford MA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Bedford MA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bedford
Pick the Best Bedford Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bedford Massachusetts.
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