Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near Lawton Oklahoma
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist school near Lawton OK. But prior to making your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also important factors 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 accomplish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer 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 analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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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 on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Lawton OK dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lawton OK dental offices are normally 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 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 offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a great option for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Lawton OK home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. 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 education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lawton OK, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lawton OK employers typically prefer 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 provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select offers adequate 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, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Lawton OK dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 build professional relationships in the Lawton OK dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lawton OK dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Lawton OK dental hygienist college 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 Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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, remember to include all of the expenses associated with 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 Lawton OK area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Lawton OK at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lawton
Choose the Right Lawton Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount 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 normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lawton Oklahoma.
Lawton Dental Hygiene Schools | Lawton Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me