Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Murray Utah
Picking the right dental hygienist program near Murray UT is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges 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 job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Murray UT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Murray UT dental practices are normally 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 finish 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 practical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a great option for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Murray UT home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Murray UT, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Murray UT employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Murray UT dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Murray UT dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Murray UT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Murray UT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Murray UT at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical 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 How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Murray
Choose the Right Murray Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Murray Utah.
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