Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Wareham Massachusetts
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Wareham MA is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. There are other important factors to consider as well, such as the program's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing 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 Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Wareham MA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Wareham MA dental offices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a great option for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Wareham MA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. 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 receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wareham MA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Wareham MA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Wareham MA dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Wareham MA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Wareham MA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Wareham MA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools 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 expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Wareham MA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Wareham MA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Wareham
Choose the Best Wareham Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Wareham Massachusetts.
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