Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Havelock North Carolina
The most important first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist program near Havelock NC. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore 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 considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools 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 Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Havelock NC dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Havelock NC dental practices are often 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 clinical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a viable option 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 rest of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Havelock NC home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Havelock NC, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options also. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Havelock NC employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Havelock NC dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to get 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 Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are researching 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 Havelock NC dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Havelock NC dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial 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 examining the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Havelock NC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Havelock NC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Havelock
Enroll in the Right Havelock Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is important if you want 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 available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Havelock North Carolina.
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