Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Select the Best One Near Aberdeen South Dakota
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Aberdeen SD. But before you can make your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the right way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Aberdeen SD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Aberdeen SD dental practices are generally 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 practical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Aberdeen SD home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice 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 dedication for this mode of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Aberdeen SD, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Aberdeen SD employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Aberdeen SD dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to receive 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 professional relationships in the Aberdeen SD dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Aberdeen SD dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Aberdeen SD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Aberdeen SD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Aberdeen SD at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Aberdeen
Choose the Right Aberdeen Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Aberdeen South Dakota.
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