Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Pontiac Michigan
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist school near Pontiac MI. But prior to making your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Pontiac MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each 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 duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Pontiac MI dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in trade and vocational 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Pontiac MI home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical 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 get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the right option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pontiac MI, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Pontiac 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, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select 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, confirm that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Pontiac MI dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to get 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Pontiac MI dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Ask the schools you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Pontiac MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Pontiac MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Pontiac MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Pontiac
Pick the Best Pontiac Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period 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 programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented 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 Pontiac Michigan.
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