Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Best One Near Flint Michigan
A critical first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Flint MI. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Flint MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. 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 duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Flint MI dental practices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Flint MI home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Flint MI, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Flint MI employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Flint MI dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way 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 build professional relationships in the Flint MI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Flint MI dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Flint MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Flint MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Flint MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Flint
Enroll in the Best Flint Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to acquire your education 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, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Flint Michigan.
Flint Dental Hygienist Programs | Flint How To Become A Dental Hygienist