Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Choose the Right One Near Battle Creek Michigan
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Battle Creek MI is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete 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 discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Battle Creek MI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Battle Creek MI dental practices are normally required to have 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 almost 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Battle Creek MI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened 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 proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Battle Creek MI, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. 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 ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Battle Creek MI employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers 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 select offers clinical rotation in a local Battle Creek MI dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Battle Creek MI dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Battle Creek MI dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Battle Creek MI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Battle Creek MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Battle Creek MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Battle Creek
Enroll in the Right Battle Creek Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Battle Creek Michigan.
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