Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Clarksville Tennessee
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist college near Clarksville TN. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing 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 assists the Clarksville TN practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting 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 every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Clarksville TN dental offices are generally required to hold 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 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Clarksville TN home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Clarksville TN, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going 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 establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Clarksville TN employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Clarksville TN dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to obtain 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 form professional relationships in the Clarksville TN dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Clarksville TN dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Clarksville TN dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Clarksville TN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Clarksville TN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical 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 emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Clarksville
Pick the Best Clarksville Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is imperative 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 offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period 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 schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Clarksville Tennessee.
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