Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Southfield Michigan
Picking the right dental hygienist college near Southfield MI is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, including the college's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting 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 in support of the Southfield MI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Southfield MI dental offices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a good option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Southfield MI home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may 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 Southfield MI, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Southfield MI employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Southfield MI dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to receive hands-on, practical 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Southfield MI dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Southfield MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial 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 expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Southfield MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Southfield MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Southfield
Enroll in the Best Southfield Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Southfield Michigan.
Southfield Dental Hygienist Colleges | Southfield Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me