Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Oak Park Michigan
The most important first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Oak Park MI. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Oak Park 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 initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Oak Park MI dental offices are generally 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 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 dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a viable alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Oak Park MI home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like 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 clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Oak Park MI, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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. Oak Park MI employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Oak Park MI dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, clinical 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 form professional relationships in the Oak Park MI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Oak Park MI dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Oak Park MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Oak Park MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Oak Park MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Oak Park
Pick the Best Oak Park Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period 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 programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Oak Park Michigan.
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