Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Trenton Michigan
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Trenton MI. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. There are other significant issues to consider as well, for instance the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually 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 lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover 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 explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Trenton MI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one 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 present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Trenton MI dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Trenton MI home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Trenton MI, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 of the highest quality and comprehensive. Trenton MI employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Trenton MI dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Trenton MI dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Trenton MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Trenton MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Trenton MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Trenton
Enroll in the Best Trenton Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Trenton Michigan.
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