Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Whitman Massachusetts
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Whitman MA is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing 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 Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Whitman MA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Whitman MA dental offices are usually 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 virtually every state. They are offered in trade and vocational 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Whitman MA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Whitman MA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online options also. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Whitman MA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Whitman MA dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 establish professional relationships in the Whitman MA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Whitman MA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Whitman MA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to 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 analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Whitman MA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Whitman MA in the evenings 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 practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Whitman
Enroll in the Right Whitman Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining 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 better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Whitman Massachusetts.
Whitman Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Whitman Dental Hygienist Programs