Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Helena Montana
Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Helena MT is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider also, including the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest 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. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Helena MT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Helena MT dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. 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.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a good option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Helena MT home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the right option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Helena MT, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options also. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few 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 help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Helena MT employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Helena MT dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Helena MT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Helena MT dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Helena MT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Helena MT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Helena MT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical 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.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Helena
Choose the Right Helena Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is crucial 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 a number of alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking 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 begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Helena Montana.
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