Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Right One Near Prior Lake Minnesota
A critical first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist school near Prior Lake MN. But prior to making your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Prior Lake MN practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Prior Lake MN dental practices are often 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college 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 balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Prior Lake MN home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Prior Lake MN, you can start the procedure 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. Possibly they look for some online options also. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many 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 requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Prior Lake MN employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Prior Lake MN dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to get 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Prior Lake MN dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Prior Lake MN dental hygienist college 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 Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Prior Lake MN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Prior Lake MN at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Prior Lake
Pick the Right Prior Lake Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. 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 right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Prior Lake Minnesota.
Prior Lake Dental Hygienist Schools Online | Prior Lake Dental Hygienist Colleges