Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Fairhaven Massachusetts
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Fairhaven MA. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. And therefore there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Fairhaven MA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Fairhaven MA dental offices are usually required to hold 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 nearly 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a great alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Fairhaven MA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the right choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fairhaven MA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools 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 due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Fairhaven MA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Fairhaven MA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Fairhaven MA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Fairhaven MA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Fairhaven MA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Fairhaven MA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Fairhaven
Enroll in the Best Fairhaven Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Fairhaven Massachusetts.
Fairhaven Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Fairhaven Dental Hygienist Degree