Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Medford Oregon
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist school near Medford OR. But prior to making your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Medford OR dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Medford OR dental offices are normally 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 virtually every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a great option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Medford OR home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened 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 needed to get 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 program is the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Medford OR, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Medford OR employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Medford OR dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive hands-on, practical 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 develop professional relationships in the Medford OR dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Medford OR dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Medford OR dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Medford OR area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must go to classes near Medford OR at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Medford
Pick the Best Medford Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is important 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 numerous alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short amount 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 generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 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 better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Medford Oregon.
Medford Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Medford Dental Hygienist Programs