Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Jefferson City Missouri
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Jefferson City MO is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Jefferson City MO dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each 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 duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Jefferson City MO dental offices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Jefferson City MO home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Jefferson City MO, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement 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 guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Jefferson City MO 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, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Jefferson City MO dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Jefferson City MO dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Jefferson City MO dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Jefferson City MO dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs 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 analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Jefferson City MO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Jefferson City MO at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Jefferson City
Pick the Right Jefferson City Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing 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 you now know, there are many alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount 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 generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Jefferson City Missouri.
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