Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Right One Near Sandusky Ohio
Picking the right dental hygienist program near Sandusky OH is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. Choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover 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 duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Sandusky OH dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Sandusky OH dental practices are often 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Sandusky OH home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Sandusky OH, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several important 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 almost 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 education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Sandusky OH employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Sandusky OH dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Sandusky OH dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Sandusky OH dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ 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 whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Sandusky OH area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Sandusky OH in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required 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 Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Sandusky
Choose the Right Sandusky Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Sandusky Ohio.
Sandusky Dental Hygienist Colleges | Sandusky Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me