Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Hazelwood Missouri
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Hazelwood MO is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Hazelwood MO dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out 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
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Hazelwood MO dental offices are often required to have 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Hazelwood MO home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary 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 required to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Hazelwood MO, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online options also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included 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 many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Hazelwood MO employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Hazelwood MO dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Hazelwood MO dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Hazelwood MO dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Hazelwood MO area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Hazelwood MO at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Hazelwood
Enroll in the Right Hazelwood Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial 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 a number of alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect 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 begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Hazelwood Missouri.
Hazelwood Dental Hygiene Schools | Hazelwood Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me