Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Haverford Pennsylvania
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist program near Haverford PA. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. Choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the right way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Haverford PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Haverford PA dental offices are often 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 finish 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a great 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 balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Haverford PA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Haverford PA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Haverford PA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Haverford PA dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Haverford PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Check if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Haverford PA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Haverford PA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses 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 Haverford PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Haverford PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Haverford
Pick the Right Haverford Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period 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 normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Haverford Pennsylvania.
Haverford Dental Hygienist Colleges | Haverford Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me