Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Farmington Missouri
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Farmington MO is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. Choosing the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other significant issues to consider also, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Farmington MO practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Farmington MO dental practices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 trade and vocational 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. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a good option for getting your education. 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 via your personal computer in the comfort of your Farmington MO home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Farmington MO, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online options also. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at 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 best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Farmington MO employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Farmington MO dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are considering 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 Farmington MO dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Farmington MO dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Farmington MO area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Farmington MO in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Farmington
Choose the Best Farmington Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Farmington Missouri.
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