Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Madison Heights Michigan
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist program near Madison Heights MI. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually 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 a year. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Madison Heights MI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- 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 Madison Heights MI dental offices are often 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 practical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a great option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Madison Heights MI home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Madison Heights MI, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, 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 School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college 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. Madison Heights MI employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose provides 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, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Madison Heights MI dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to receive 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Madison Heights MI dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Madison Heights MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges 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 costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Madison Heights MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Madison Heights MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have 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 due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Madison Heights
Choose the Best Madison Heights Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Madison Heights Michigan.
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