Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Wilmington Massachusetts
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Wilmington MA. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other significant issues to consider also, including the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Wilmington MA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Wilmington MA dental practices are generally required to have 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 community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a great option for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Wilmington MA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wilmington MA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Wilmington MA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Wilmington MA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at have 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Wilmington MA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Wilmington MA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Wilmington MA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Wilmington MA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Wilmington
Pick the Best Wilmington Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Wilmington Massachusetts.
Wilmington Dental Hygienist Schools | Wilmington Dental Hygiene Schools