Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near Cranberry Township Pennsylvania
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Cranberry Township PA is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing 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 Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Cranberry Township PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Cranberry Township PA dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Cranberry Township PA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Cranberry Township PA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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 establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Cranberry Township PA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Cranberry Township PA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to get hands-on, clinical 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 form professional relationships in the Cranberry Township PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Cranberry Township PA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the schools you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Cranberry Township PA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost 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, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Cranberry Township PA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Cranberry Township PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Cranberry Township
Enroll in the Right Cranberry Township Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to receive 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, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. 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 selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Cranberry Township Pennsylvania.
Cranberry Township Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Cranberry Township Dental Hygienist Programs