Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Best One Near South Kingstown Rhode Island
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near South Kingstown RI is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the South Kingstown RI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in South Kingstown RI dental practices are normally 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.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a viable option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your South Kingstown RI home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the best option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in South Kingstown RI, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. South Kingstown RI employers frequently prefer 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 offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local South Kingstown RI dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the South Kingstown RI dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the South Kingstown RI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the South Kingstown RI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near South Kingstown RI at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in South Kingstown
Pick the Right South Kingstown Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing 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 South Kingstown Rhode Island.
South Kingstown Dental Hygienist Colleges | South Kingstown Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me