Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Find the Best One Near Kentwood Michigan
Picking the right dental hygienist college near Kentwood MI is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the program 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. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing 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 Kentwood MI practice and the dentists. 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 each patient's gums and teeth and report their results 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
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Kentwood MI dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Kentwood MI home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical 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 receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Kentwood MI, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are 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 reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Kentwood MI employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in offers 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, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Kentwood MI dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to get 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Kentwood MI dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the schools you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Kentwood MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Kentwood MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Kentwood MI in the evenings 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 policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Kentwood
Enroll in the Right Kentwood Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options offered to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Kentwood Michigan.
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