Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Lower Merion Pennsylvania
The most important first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Lower Merion PA. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other crucial factors to consider also, including the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Lower Merion PA dental offices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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 practical component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a viable alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Lower Merion PA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lower Merion PA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options also. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lower Merion PA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical 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 subsequently 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 Lower Merion PA dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to get 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 Lower Merion PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lower Merion PA dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Lower Merion PA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lower Merion PA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Lower Merion PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Lower Merion
Choose the Best Lower Merion Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. 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 ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lower Merion Pennsylvania.
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