Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Right One Near Simpsonville South Carolina
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program near Simpsonville SC is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other important issues to consider as well, for instance the college'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 complete. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Simpsonville SC dentists and the practice. 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 findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Simpsonville SC dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Simpsonville SC home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Simpsonville SC, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for several online options also. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, 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. Simpsonville SC employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide 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 kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Simpsonville SC dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Simpsonville SC dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Simpsonville SC dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are looking at 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. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Simpsonville SC dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if 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 expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Simpsonville SC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Simpsonville SC at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Simpsonville
Choose the Best Simpsonville Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Simpsonville South Carolina.
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