Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Orangeburg South Carolina
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Orangeburg SC is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to doing your due diligence than selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating 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 contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Orangeburg 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 every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Orangeburg 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. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a good option for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Orangeburg SC home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced 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 needed to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Orangeburg SC, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to make 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 ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Orangeburg SC employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Orangeburg SC dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to obtain 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Orangeburg SC dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Orangeburg SC dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Orangeburg SC area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Orangeburg SC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Orangeburg
Pick the Best Orangeburg Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Orangeburg South Carolina.
Orangeburg Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Orangeburg Dental Hygienist Degree