Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Myrtle Beach SC is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. There are other crucial issues to consider also, such as the school's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs 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 Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Myrtle Beach SC dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Myrtle Beach SC dental offices 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 almost 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a good option for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% 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 Myrtle Beach SC home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Myrtle Beach SC, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Myrtle Beach SC employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Myrtle Beach SC dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to get 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Myrtle Beach SC dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Myrtle Beach SC dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs 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 colleges, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Myrtle Beach SC area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Myrtle Beach SC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Myrtle Beach
Pick the Right Myrtle Beach Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program 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 available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach Dental Hygienist Schools | Myrtle Beach Dental Hygiene Schools