Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Find the Right One Near Bedford Massachusetts
The most important first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near Bedford MA. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider also, including the school's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically 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 prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Bedford MA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Bedford MA dental practices are often required to hold 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 almost every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. 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 offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Bedford MA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the best choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bedford MA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options also. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at 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 program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bedford MA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college 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 are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Bedford MA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to obtain hands-on, practical 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 form professional relationships in the Bedford MA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance 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 community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Bedford MA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bedford MA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Bedford MA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bedford
Enroll in the Best Bedford Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount 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 typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking 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 commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bedford Massachusetts.
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