Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Horsham Pennsylvania
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Horsham PA. But prior to making your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Horsham PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Horsham PA dental offices are generally required to hold 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 nearly 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Horsham PA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Horsham PA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help 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 enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Horsham PA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides 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 are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Horsham PA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Horsham PA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Horsham PA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public 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 examining the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Horsham PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Horsham PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Horsham
Pick the Right Horsham Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Horsham Pennsylvania.
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