Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Select the Best One Near Lewisville North Carolina
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Lewisville NC is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing 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 contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Lewisville NC practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Lewisville NC dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Lewisville NC home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lewisville NC, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition 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 guarantee that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lewisville NC employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided 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 college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Lewisville NC dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to receive 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lewisville NC dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Lewisville NC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lewisville NC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Lewisville NC at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Lewisville
Pick the Best Lewisville Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lewisville North Carolina.
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