Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Laurinburg North Carolina
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist school near Laurinburg NC. But prior to making your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually 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 more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Laurinburg NC dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each 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 may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Laurinburg NC dental practices are generally 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 finish 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Laurinburg NC home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Laurinburg NC, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important 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 requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Laurinburg NC employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Laurinburg NC dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the best way 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Laurinburg NC dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Laurinburg NC dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Laurinburg NC area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Laurinburg NC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, 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 need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Laurinburg
Enroll in the Best Laurinburg Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Laurinburg North Carolina.
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