Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Midland Michigan
Picking the right dental hygienist program near Midland MI is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Midland MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Midland MI dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Midland MI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. 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 needed to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Midland MI, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided 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 several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Midland MI employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Midland MI dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to obtain 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 are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Midland MI dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Midland MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Midland MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Midland MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Midland
Pick the Best Midland Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount 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 normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Midland Michigan.
Midland Dental Hygiene Schools | Midland Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me