Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Pick the Right One Near Harborcreek Pennsylvania
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Harborcreek PA is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Choosing the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Harborcreek PA practice and the dentists. 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 encounters when called from the waiting room. 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
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Harborcreek PA dental offices are usually 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 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 offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a good alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember 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 provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Harborcreek PA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Harborcreek PA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Harborcreek PA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Harborcreek PA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional 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 look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Harborcreek PA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Harborcreek PA dental hygienist school 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 Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Harborcreek PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Harborcreek 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 need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Harborcreek
Pick the Best Harborcreek Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives available to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter 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 presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Harborcreek Pennsylvania.
Harborcreek Dental Hygienist Schools | Harborcreek Dental Hygiene Schools