Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Kalamazoo Michigan
Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Kalamazoo MI is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, such as the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently 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 supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Kalamazoo MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Kalamazoo MI dental offices 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 complete 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Kalamazoo MI home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Kalamazoo MI, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order 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 receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Kalamazoo MI employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Kalamazoo MI dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to get 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 build professional relationships in the Kalamazoo MI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Kalamazoo MI dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Kalamazoo MI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to 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, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Kalamazoo MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Kalamazoo MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical 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 emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Kalamazoo
Pick the Best Kalamazoo Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Kalamazoo Michigan.
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