Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Southaven Mississippi
The most important first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Southaven MS. But before you can make your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. Selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the right way to come to a decision. There are other important issues to take into account also, for instance the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing 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 Duties
When contrasting 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 assists the Southaven MS practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every 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 can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Southaven MS dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish 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. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a great option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Southaven MS home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually 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 appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Southaven MS, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several 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 assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly 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 ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Southaven MS employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Southaven MS dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to obtain 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Southaven MS dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Southaven MS dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Southaven MS area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Southaven MS in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Southaven
Pick the Right Southaven Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal 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 we have covered, there are a number of alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend 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 selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Southaven Mississippi.
Southaven Dental Hygienist Programs | Southaven How To Become A Dental Hygienist