Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Dearborn Heights Michigan
A critical first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Dearborn Heights MI. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other significant issues to consider also, for instance the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Dearborn Heights MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based 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 care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Dearborn Heights MI dental offices are usually 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a good option for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Dearborn Heights MI home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can typically be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Dearborn Heights MI, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online options as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Dearborn Heights MI employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Dearborn Heights MI dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Dearborn Heights MI dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Dearborn Heights MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, 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 costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Dearborn Heights MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Dearborn Heights MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Dearborn Heights
Enroll in the Best Dearborn Heights Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important 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 several options offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Dearborn Heights Michigan.
Dearborn Heights Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Dearborn Heights Dental Hygienist Programs