Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Lower Makefield Pennsylvania
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist program near Lower Makefield PA. However, you must assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other important factors to take into account as well, including the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Lower Makefield PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- 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 Lower Makefield 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 technical 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a good option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Lower Makefield PA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot 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 lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lower Makefield PA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing 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 ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lower Makefield PA employers frequently 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 Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Lower Makefield PA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Lower Makefield PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lower Makefield PA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Lower Makefield PA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lower Makefield PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Lower Makefield PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still be required 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 How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lower Makefield
Pick the Best Lower Makefield Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is important 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 numerous options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire 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 usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect 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 better prepared to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lower Makefield Pennsylvania.
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