Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Right One Near East Norriton Pennsylvania
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near East Norriton PA is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must examine and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the East Norriton PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in East Norriton PA dental practices 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 finish 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 dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a good option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your East Norriton PA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in East Norriton PA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in 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 ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. East Norriton PA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local East Norriton PA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the East Norriton PA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the East Norriton PA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the East Norriton PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near East Norriton PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in East Norriton
Enroll in the Right East Norriton Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to 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 ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in East Norriton Pennsylvania.
East Norriton Dental Hygienist Programs | East Norriton How To Become A Dental Hygienist