Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Marietta Ohio
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Marietta OH is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is more expense associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Marietta OH practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. 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 plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Marietta OH dental practices are often 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college can be a good option for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Marietta OH home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Marietta OH, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. 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. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending 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 school 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. Marietta OH employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Marietta OH dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive hands-on, practical 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 develop professional relationships in the Marietta OH dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Marietta OH dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Marietta OH dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Marietta OH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must go to classes near Marietta OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Marietta
Enroll in the Best Marietta Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about two years of studies prior to entering 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 addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Marietta Ohio.
Marietta Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Marietta Dental Hygienist Programs