Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Haverford Pennsylvania
The most important first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near Haverford PA. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other significant factors to take into account as well, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing 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 Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Haverford PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each 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
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Haverford PA dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Haverford PA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. 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 practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Haverford PA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online options also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly 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 ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Haverford PA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential 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. 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 Haverford PA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way 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 create professional relationships in the Haverford PA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Haverford PA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Haverford PA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial 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 analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Haverford PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Haverford PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Haverford
Choose the Right Haverford Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Haverford Pennsylvania.
Haverford Dental Hygiene Schools | Haverford Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me