Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Right One Near Summit Michigan
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Summit MI is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. Choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Summit MI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering 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 Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Summit MI dental practices are often 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 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 clinical component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Summit MI home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Summit MI, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided 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 School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Summit MI employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Summit MI dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Summit MI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Summit MI dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Summit MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, 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 costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Summit MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Summit MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Summit
Pick the Best Summit Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options offered to obtain 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 community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Summit Michigan.
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