Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Birmingham Michigan
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist program near Birmingham MI. But prior to making your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. Choosing the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues 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 offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Birmingham MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting 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 present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Birmingham MI dental offices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a good alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind 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 provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Birmingham MI home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for 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 online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Birmingham MI, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online options as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college 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. Birmingham MI employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Birmingham MI dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help 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 as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Birmingham MI dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Birmingham MI dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Birmingham MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Birmingham MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Birmingham
Choose the Right Birmingham Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education 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 generally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Birmingham Michigan.
Birmingham Dental Hygienist Colleges | Birmingham Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me