Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Find the Best One Near Muhlenberg Pennsylvania
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program near Muhlenberg PA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense 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 need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role 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 assists the Muhlenberg PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Muhlenberg PA dental offices are usually 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 nearly every state. They are offered in trade and vocational 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. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Muhlenberg PA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the right choice for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Muhlenberg PA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Muhlenberg PA employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Muhlenberg PA dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive hands-on, clinical 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 build professional relationships in the Muhlenberg PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Muhlenberg PA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Muhlenberg PA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to 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 fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Muhlenberg PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Muhlenberg PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Muhlenberg
Pick the Right Muhlenberg Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Muhlenberg Pennsylvania.
Muhlenberg Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Muhlenberg Dental Hygienist Programs