Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Penn Pennsylvania
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Penn PA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other significant issues to consider also, including the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest 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 therefore there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Penn PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Penn PA dental offices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might 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 clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Penn PA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Penn PA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Penn PA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Penn PA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way 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 form professional relationships in the Penn PA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Penn PA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Penn PA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether 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 costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Penn PA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Penn PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Penn
Pick the Right Penn Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally 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 go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Penn Pennsylvania.
Penn Dental Hygienist Colleges | Penn Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me