Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Select the Right One Near Bowling Green Ohio
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist college near Bowling Green OH. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Bowling Green OH practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Bowling Green OH dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a good option for getting your education. Just remember 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 by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Bowling Green OH home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bowling Green OH, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included 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 a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bowling Green OH employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Bowling Green OH dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Bowling Green OH dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bowling Green OH dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Bowling Green OH dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bowling Green OH area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Bowling Green OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Bowling Green
Choose the Right Bowling Green Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you wish 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 education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bowling Green Ohio.
Bowling Green Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Bowling Green Dental Hygienist Programs