Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Oak Park Michigan
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Oak Park MI is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other significant issues to consider as well, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably 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 an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Oak Park MI dental offices are generally 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 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just remember 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 accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Oak Park MI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Oak Park MI, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly 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 establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Oak Park MI employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Oak Park MI dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Oak Park MI dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Oak Park MI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as 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 substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Oak Park MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Oak Park MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Oak Park
Choose the Right Oak Park Dental Hygienist School
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 numerous options offered to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining 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 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 Oak Park Michigan.
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