Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Huntersville North Carolina
A critical first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist college near Huntersville NC. But prior to making your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. Choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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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 independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Huntersville NC dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Huntersville NC dental practices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Huntersville NC home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Huntersville NC, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options also. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition 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 ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Huntersville NC employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college 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 have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Huntersville NC dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Huntersville NC dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Huntersville NC dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Huntersville NC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Huntersville NC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Huntersville
Choose the Best Huntersville Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal 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 we have covered, there are numerous options offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Huntersville North Carolina.
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