Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Norwood Massachusetts
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist program near Norwood MA. But before you can make your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. Choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. There are other important factors to consider also, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting 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 Norwood MA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Norwood MA dental practices are often 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 practical component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a great option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Norwood MA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Norwood MA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Norwood MA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Norwood MA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help 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 as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Norwood MA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Norwood MA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Norwood MA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Norwood MA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Norwood
Choose the Best Norwood Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to acquire your training 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 usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. 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 right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Norwood Massachusetts.
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