Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Levittown Pennsylvania
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist school near Levittown PA. However, you must examine and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Selecting the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Levittown PA dentists and the practice. 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 encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Levittown PA dental practices are generally 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 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a great alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Levittown PA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Levittown PA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Levittown 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, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose 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, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Levittown PA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to obtain 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 professional relationships in the Levittown PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Levittown PA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Ask the programs you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Levittown PA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Levittown PA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Levittown PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Levittown
Pick the Best Levittown Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose 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 best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Levittown Pennsylvania.
Levittown Dental Hygienist Courses | Levittown Dental Hygienist Programs Online