Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Best One Near Lansing Michigan
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Lansing MI. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive 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 looking at 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 Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Lansing MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal 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 may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lansing 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a viable option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Lansing MI home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically 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 style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lansing MI, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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 establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lansing MI employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college 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 have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Lansing MI dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lansing MI dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Ask the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Lansing MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to 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 colleges can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs 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 analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lansing MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Lansing MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lansing
Pick the Best Lansing Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options offered to receive your training 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 junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose 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 commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lansing Michigan.
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