Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Right One Near Draper Utah
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Draper UT is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, for instance 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 half that time. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Draper UT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Draper UT dental offices are usually 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. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Draper UT home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Draper UT, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 ensure that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Draper UT employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently 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 Draper UT dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Draper UT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Draper UT dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Draper UT dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with 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 examining the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Draper UT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Draper UT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Draper
Enroll in the Right Draper Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to obtain your education 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 community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. 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 ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Draper Utah.
Draper Dental Hygiene Schools | Draper Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me