Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Athens Tennessee
Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Athens TN is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must examine and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and should be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors 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 roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Athens TN practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each 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 duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Athens TN dental practices are often 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 technical 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a viable alternative for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Athens TN home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Athens TN, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Athens TN employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Athens TN dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Athens TN dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Athens TN dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Athens TN area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Athens TN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, 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 have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Athens
Pick the Best Athens Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is essential 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 numerous options offered to obtain your training 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, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Athens Tennessee.
Athens Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Athens Dental Hygienist Degree