Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Scranton Pennsylvania
Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Scranton PA is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to take into account also, including the program's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing 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 duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Scranton PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Scranton PA dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good option 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 Scranton PA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Scranton PA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Scranton PA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical 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 type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Scranton PA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Scranton PA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Scranton PA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Scranton PA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Scranton PA at nights 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 procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Scranton
Enroll in the Right Scranton Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is important 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 acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education 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 about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Scranton Pennsylvania.
Scranton Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Scranton Dental Hygienist Degree