Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Lower Merion Pennsylvania
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Lower Merion PA. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other significant factors to take into account also, such as the college's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
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 assists the Lower Merion PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each 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 responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lower Merion PA dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish 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 aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a great alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Lower Merion PA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced 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 get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best option for you.
Topics 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 covered at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Although these are significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order 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 instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lower Merion PA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in offers adequate 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 college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Lower Merion PA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs 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 position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Lower Merion PA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount 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 in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lower Merion PA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Lower Merion PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Lower Merion
Choose the Right Lower Merion Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential 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 alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend 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 appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lower Merion Pennsylvania.
Lower Merion Dental Hygienist Programs | Lower Merion How To Become A Dental Hygienist