Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Dentsville South Carolina
The most important first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist college near Dentsville SC. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. There are other crucial issues to consider also, including the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Dentsville SC practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Dentsville SC dental offices are generally 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 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 practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a great option for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Dentsville SC home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Dentsville SC, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Dentsville SC employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Dentsville SC dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Dentsville SC dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Dentsville SC dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Dentsville SC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether 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 costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Dentsville SC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Dentsville SC at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Dentsville
Enroll in the Right Dentsville Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to acquire 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 junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Dentsville South Carolina.
Dentsville Dental Hygienist Schools | Dentsville Dental Hygiene Schools