Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Greenville South Carolina
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Greenville SC is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. Picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other important issues to take into account as well, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these considerations and additional 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 Duties
When contrasting the duties 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 assists the Greenville SC practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Greenville SC dental offices are usually 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 virtually every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Greenville SC home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Greenville SC, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to 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 evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school 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 virtually 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 education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Greenville SC employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Greenville SC dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help 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 also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Greenville SC dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Greenville SC dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Greenville SC area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Greenville SC at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Greenville
Enroll in the Best Greenville Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important 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 many options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two 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 addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Greenville South Carolina.
Greenville Dental Hygienist Colleges | Greenville Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me