Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Right One Near Bartlett Tennessee
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Bartlett TN is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. There are other important factors to consider as well, for instance the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. 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 additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties 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 assists the Bartlett TN dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work 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 every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Bartlett TN dental practices are usually 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a viable alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Bartlett TN home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bartlett TN, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bartlett TN employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you enroll in 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 have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Bartlett TN dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bartlett TN dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Bartlett TN dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bartlett TN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm 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 must attend classes near Bartlett TN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bartlett
Pick the Right Bartlett Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bartlett Tennessee.
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