Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Right One Near Everett Massachusetts
Picking the right dental hygienist college near Everett MA is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other significant factors to consider also, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Everett MA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Everett MA dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Everett MA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Everett MA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid 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 ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Everett MA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices 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 ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Everett MA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to get 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 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 schools need help getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing 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 Everett MA dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Everett MA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience 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 based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Everett MA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Everett MA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Everett
Pick the Right Everett Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. 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 ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Everett Massachusetts.
Everett Dental Hygienist Schools | Everett Dental Hygiene Schools