Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Drexel Hill Pennsylvania
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Drexel Hill PA is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Drexel Hill PA dental offices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Drexel Hill PA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Drexel Hill PA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final 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 school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order 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 education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Drexel Hill PA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose provides sufficient 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 school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Drexel Hill PA dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Drexel Hill PA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Drexel Hill PA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Drexel Hill PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Drexel Hill PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Drexel Hill
Choose the Right Drexel Hill Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing 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 choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Drexel Hill Pennsylvania.
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