Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Eugene Oregon
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist college near Eugene OR. But prior to making your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Eugene OR dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Eugene OR dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish 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 Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a good option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Eugene OR home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Eugene OR, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options also. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Eugene OR employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Eugene OR dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to get hands-on, practical experience in a real 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 Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Eugene OR dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Eugene OR dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as 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 substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Eugene OR area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Eugene OR at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Eugene
Choose the Best Eugene Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to acquire your training 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 community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Eugene Oregon.
Eugene Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Eugene Dental Hygienist Degree