Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Upper Southampton Pennsylvania
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Upper Southampton PA. However, you must analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Upper Southampton PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Upper Southampton 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 complete 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 practical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a great option for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Upper Southampton PA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates 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 online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Upper Southampton PA, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Even though these are 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. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Upper Southampton PA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Upper Southampton PA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive 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 Upper Southampton PA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Upper Southampton PA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Upper Southampton PA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Upper Southampton PA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Upper Southampton PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Upper Southampton
Enroll in the Best Upper Southampton Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is important 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 many options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Upper Southampton Pennsylvania.
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