Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near West Hempfield Pennsylvania
Picking the right dental hygienist college near West Hempfield PA is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss 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 provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the West Hempfield PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in West Hempfield PA dental practices are normally 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 technical 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. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a great option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your West Hempfield PA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in West Hempfield PA, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly 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 receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. West Hempfield PA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local West Hempfield PA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive 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 West Hempfield PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the West Hempfield PA dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the West Hempfield PA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
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, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the West Hempfield PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near West Hempfield PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in West Hempfield
Choose the Best West Hempfield Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in West Hempfield Pennsylvania.
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