Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Right One Near Bountiful Utah
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program near Bountiful UT is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest 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. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Bountiful UT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal 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 room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Bountiful UT dental offices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 trade and vocational 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 Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a great option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Bountiful UT 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 rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bountiful UT, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bountiful UT employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Bountiful UT dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way 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 professional relationships in the Bountiful UT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bountiful UT dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Bountiful UT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public 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 commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bountiful UT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Bountiful UT at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bountiful
Pick the Best Bountiful Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally 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 elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bountiful Utah.
Bountiful Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Bountiful Dental Hygienist Degree