Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Best One Near Spartanburg South Carolina
A critical first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist school near Spartanburg SC. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists typically 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 a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties 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 in support of the Spartanburg SC dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Spartanburg SC dental offices are normally 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 nearly 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 practical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Spartanburg SC home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be completed 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 method of education, you may find that attending 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 Spartanburg SC, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order 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 training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Spartanburg SC employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Spartanburg SC dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Spartanburg SC dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Spartanburg SC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Spartanburg SC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Spartanburg SC at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Spartanburg
Enroll in the Right Spartanburg Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Spartanburg South Carolina.
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