Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Jamaica Plain Massachusetts
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Jamaica Plain MA. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, such as the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing 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 Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Jamaica Plain MA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Jamaica Plain MA dental offices 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 finish 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a good alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Jamaica Plain MA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Jamaica Plain MA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options also. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Jamaica Plain MA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important 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 have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Jamaica Plain MA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Jamaica Plain MA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Check 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 Jamaica Plain MA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Jamaica Plain MA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Jamaica Plain MA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Jamaica Plain MA at nights 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 policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Jamaica Plain
Pick the Best Jamaica Plain Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options offered to obtain 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 junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented 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 Jamaica Plain Massachusetts.
Jamaica Plain Dental Hygienist Programs | Jamaica Plain How To Become A Dental Hygienist