Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Plymouth Massachusetts
The most important first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Plymouth MA. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. There are other significant factors to take into account as well, for instance the college's accreditation and reputation. 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 a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Plymouth 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 initial 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 perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Plymouth MA dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete 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 clinical component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a great alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Plymouth MA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the right option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Plymouth MA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online options also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to make 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 School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Plymouth MA employers typically prefer 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 provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Plymouth MA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to obtain 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 create professional relationships in the Plymouth MA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Plymouth MA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Plymouth MA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides 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 comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Plymouth MA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Plymouth MA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Plymouth
Choose the Best Plymouth Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Plymouth Massachusetts.
Plymouth Dental Hygienist Colleges | Plymouth Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me