Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Greenville Ohio
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Greenville OH is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. Selecting the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other important issues to consider also, such as the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Greenville OH dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with 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 responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Greenville OH dental offices 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 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 practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Greenville OH home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Greenville OH, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Greenville OH employers frequently 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 provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Greenville OH dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to obtain hands-on, practical 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Greenville OH dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Greenville OH dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Greenville OH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Greenville OH in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have 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 How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Greenville
Enroll in the Best Greenville Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided 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 Greenville Ohio.
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