Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Columbus Mississippi
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Columbus MS is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other significant factors to take into account as well, including the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Columbus MS practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Columbus MS dental practices are normally required to have 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 almost 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a good alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Columbus MS home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Columbus MS, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Although these are significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Columbus MS employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose offers enough 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, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Columbus MS dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to get hands-on, clinical 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 too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Columbus MS dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Columbus MS dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Columbus MS area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Columbus MS in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Columbus
Pick the Right Columbus Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period 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 programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to 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 appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Columbus Mississippi.
Columbus Dental Hygienist Programs | Columbus How To Become A Dental Hygienist