Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Concord Massachusetts
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Concord MA is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Picking the program 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 accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Concord MA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Concord MA dental practices are normally 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college can be a good option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Concord MA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice 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 attending an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Concord MA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Concord MA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Concord MA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Concord MA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Concord MA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Concord MA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Concord MA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Concord MA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Concord
Choose the Best Concord Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to receive your training 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 community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Concord Massachusetts.
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