Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Lawrence Massachusetts
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Lawrence MA is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence is not the right way to come to a decision. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, such as the school's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should 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 Description
When comparing the duties 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 assists the Lawrence MA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report 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
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about 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 employed in Lawrence MA dental practices are generally 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 trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a great option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Lawrence MA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the best option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lawrence MA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lawrence MA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lawrence MA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lawrence MA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Lawrence MA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lawrence MA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Lawrence MA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lawrence
Pick the Best Lawrence Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered 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 junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lawrence Massachusetts.
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