Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near Silver Spring Pennsylvania
The most important first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Silver Spring PA. But prior to making your choice, you need to analyze and compare your school options. Choosing the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other important factors to consider as well, for instance the program's reputation and accreditation. 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 complete. And consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Silver Spring PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Silver Spring PA dental practices are usually 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 complete 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Silver Spring PA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Silver Spring PA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Silver Spring PA employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Silver Spring PA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain 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 professional relationships in the Silver Spring PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering 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 Silver Spring PA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the programs you are reviewing how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Silver Spring PA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with 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 examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Silver Spring PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Silver Spring PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, 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 emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Silver Spring
Choose the Best Silver Spring Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect 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 Silver Spring Pennsylvania.
Silver Spring Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Silver Spring Dental Hygienist Degree