Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Sidney Ohio
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist school near Sidney OH. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Picking the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend 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. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Sidney OH practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Sidney OH dental offices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a viable alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Sidney OH home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the right option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Sidney OH, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online options also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly 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 guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Sidney OH employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Sidney OH dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Sidney OH dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the programs you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Sidney OH dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Sidney OH area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Sidney OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Sidney
Choose the Best Sidney Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered 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 junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Sidney Ohio.
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