Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Springfield Michigan
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program near Springfield MI is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Choosing the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other crucial factors to consider also, such as the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
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 Springfield 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 encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Springfield MI dental offices are often 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 nearly 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a good alternative for obtaining 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 via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Springfield MI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Springfield MI, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order 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 receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Springfield MI employers often prefer or require that job applicants 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 Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Springfield MI dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to obtain 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Springfield MI dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the schools you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Springfield MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides 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, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Springfield MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Springfield MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Springfield
Enroll in the Best Springfield Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial 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 several alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Springfield Michigan.
Springfield Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Springfield Dental Hygienist Degree