Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Clinton Township Michigan
Choosing the right dental hygienist college near Clinton Township MI is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing 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 comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Clinton Township MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may 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
- Educating 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 working in Clinton Township MI dental practices are often required to hold 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 nearly 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a great alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Clinton Township MI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Clinton Township MI, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing 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 right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly 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 establish that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Clinton Township MI employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Clinton Township MI dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective way to obtain 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 form professional relationships in the Clinton Township MI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Clinton Township MI dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Clinton Township MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Clinton Township MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Clinton Township MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Clinton Township
Enroll in the Right Clinton Township Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is essential 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 many options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided 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 Clinton Township Michigan.
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