Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Select the Right One Near Clemson South Carolina
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist college near Clemson SC. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other important issues to consider also, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss 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 roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Clemson SC practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Clemson SC dental practices are normally 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 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a great option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Clemson SC home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Clemson SC, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online alternatives also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Clemson SC employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want 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 Clemson SC dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably 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 form professional relationships in the Clemson SC dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Clemson SC dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Clemson SC dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Clemson SC area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Clemson SC in the evenings 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 practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Clemson
Enroll in the Best Clemson Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally 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 decide to pursue, by asking 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 Clemson South Carolina.
Clemson Dental Hygienist Schools | Clemson Dental Hygiene Schools