Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Right One Near Sevierville Tennessee
Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Sevierville TN is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. There are other significant factors to take into account as well, such as the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Sevierville TN dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Sevierville TN dental practices are normally 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 nearly 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Sevierville TN home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Sevierville TN, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly 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 establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Sevierville TN employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in offers sufficient 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, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Sevierville TN dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to get 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Sevierville TN dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Sevierville TN dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Sevierville TN area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure 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 need to go to classes near Sevierville TN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Sevierville
Pick the Best Sevierville Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is important if you intend 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 receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can choose 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 right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Sevierville Tennessee.
Sevierville Dental Hygienist Schools | Sevierville Dental Hygiene Schools