Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Garfield Michigan
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Garfield MI is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you should 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 Duties
When contrasting the role 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 Garfield MI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Garfield MI dental offices are generally 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a great option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely 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 Garfield MI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Garfield MI, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition 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 education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Garfield MI employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Garfield MI dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 Garfield MI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Garfield MI dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Garfield MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial 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 examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Garfield MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Garfield MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Garfield
Enroll in the Best Garfield Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Garfield Michigan.
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