Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Right One Near La Grande Oregon
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near La Grande OR is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Picking the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the La Grande OR dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal 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 also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding 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 working in La Grande OR dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. 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 dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college can be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your La Grande OR home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in La Grande OR, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. La Grande OR employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local La Grande OR dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the La Grande OR dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the La Grande OR dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the La Grande OR dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial 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 programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the La Grande OR area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near La Grande OR in the evenings 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 making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in La Grande
Enroll in the Right La Grande Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options offered to obtain 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 junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in La Grande Oregon.
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