Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near East Brainerd Tennessee
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist college near East Brainerd TN. But before you can make your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and must 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 2 to 3 years to finish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the duties 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 East Brainerd TN dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each 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 plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in East Brainerd TN dental offices are generally 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your East Brainerd TN home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in East Brainerd TN, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. East Brainerd TN employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in provides sufficient 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, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local East Brainerd TN dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the East Brainerd TN dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the East Brainerd TN dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the East Brainerd TN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near East Brainerd TN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in East Brainerd
Pick the Right East Brainerd Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in East Brainerd Tennessee.
East Brainerd Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | East Brainerd Dental Hygienist Programs