Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Right One Near Kentwood Michigan
A critical first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist school near Kentwood MI. But before you can make your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to take into account as well, for instance the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared 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 talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Kentwood MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently 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 responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Kentwood MI dental practices are normally 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 virtually 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a viable alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Kentwood MI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies 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 obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
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 opening of this article, many potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Kentwood 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, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Kentwood MI dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to get 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 create professional relationships in the Kentwood MI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Kentwood MI dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the programs you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Kentwood MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Kentwood MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Kentwood MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Kentwood
Pick the Best Kentwood Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Kentwood Michigan.
Kentwood Dental Hygienist Programs | Kentwood How To Become A Dental Hygienist