Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Lansing Michigan
The most important first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Lansing MI. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other important issues to consider also, including the program'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 most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Lansing MI dental practices are usually required to have 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 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.
Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a great alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Lansing MI home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lansing MI, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school 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. Lansing MI employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Lansing MI dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lansing MI dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Lansing MI dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if 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 commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lansing MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Lansing MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Lansing
Choose the Best Lansing Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist course 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 many options available to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lansing Michigan.
Lansing Dental Hygienist Colleges | Lansing Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me