Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Newport Rhode Island
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Newport RI. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to doing your due diligence than selecting the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job 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 Newport RI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Newport RI dental offices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a good option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Newport RI home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced 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 necessary to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Newport RI, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Newport RI employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Newport RI dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Newport RI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Newport RI dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Newport RI dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with 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 comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Newport RI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Newport RI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Newport
Choose the Best Newport Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options available to acquire 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 community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Newport Rhode Island.
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