Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Mount Pleasant Michigan
The most important first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist program near Mount Pleasant MI. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other important factors to consider as well, including the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover 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 roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Mount Pleasant MI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every 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 can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Mount Pleasant MI dental practices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Mount Pleasant MI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mount Pleasant MI, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning 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 college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Mount Pleasant MI employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative 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. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Mount Pleasant MI dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help 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 Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at 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 Mount Pleasant MI dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Mount Pleasant MI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Mount Pleasant MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Mount Pleasant MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Mount Pleasant
Pick the Best Mount Pleasant Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Mount Pleasant Michigan.
Mount Pleasant Dental Hygienist Colleges | Mount Pleasant Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me