Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Find the Best One Near Fairview Pennsylvania
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Fairview PA is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider as well, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about 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 duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Fairview PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Fairview PA dental practices are generally required to hold 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 community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Fairview PA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fairview PA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order 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 education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Fairview PA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Fairview PA dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to receive 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 Fairview PA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance 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 high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Fairview PA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Fairview PA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Fairview PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Fairview PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Fairview
Choose the Best Fairview Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is crucial 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 several alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning 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 presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Fairview Pennsylvania.
Fairview Dental Hygienist Programs | Fairview How To Become A Dental Hygienist