Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Hilton Head Island South Carolina
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Hilton Head Island SC is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other crucial issues to consider also, including the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Hilton Head Island SC practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. 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 can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Hilton Head Island SC dental practices 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 technical schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a viable option for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Hilton Head Island SC home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Hilton Head Island SC, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online options also. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Hilton Head Island SC employers often prefer or require that job applicants 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 schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind 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 select offers clinical rotation in a local Hilton Head Island SC dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to get 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 professional relationships in the Hilton Head Island SC dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Hilton Head Island SC dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Hilton Head Island SC dental hygienist school 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 Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. 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 examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Hilton Head Island SC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Hilton Head Island SC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, 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 illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Hilton Head Island
Enroll in the Best Hilton Head Island Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal 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 numerous options offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Hilton Head Island South Carolina.
Hilton Head Island Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Hilton Head Island Dental Hygienist Degree