Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Aurora Ohio
A critical first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist school near Aurora OH. But before you can make your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant issues to consider also, for instance the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Aurora OH dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums 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
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Aurora OH 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 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a viable option for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Aurora OH home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Aurora OH, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for several online options also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Aurora OH employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Aurora OH dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Aurora OH dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Aurora OH dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Aurora OH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must go to classes near Aurora OH in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Aurora
Enroll in the Best Aurora Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Aurora Ohio.
Aurora Dental Hygiene Schools | Aurora Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me