Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near High Point North Carolina
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near High Point NC is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the High Point NC practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in High Point NC dental practices are usually 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 almost 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 practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a great option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes 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 desktop computer in the convenience of your High Point NC home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in High Point NC, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order 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 training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. High Point NC employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose offers enough 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, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local High Point NC dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the High Point NC dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the High Point NC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ 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 if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the High Point NC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near High Point NC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in High Point
Pick the Best High Point Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in High Point North Carolina.
High Point Dental Hygienist Programs | High Point How To Become A Dental Hygienist