Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Pearl Mississippi
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Pearl MS is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. Selecting the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other crucial factors to consider also, including the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Pearl MS practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Pearl MS dental practices are generally 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 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
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a viable alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Pearl MS home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the ideal option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pearl MS, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program 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. Pearl MS employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Pearl MS dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Pearl MS dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Pearl MS dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Pearl MS dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Pearl MS area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Pearl MS in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Pearl
Choose the Right Pearl Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative 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 alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Pearl Mississippi.
Pearl Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Pearl Dental Hygienist Degree