Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Bremerton Washington
The most important first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist college near Bremerton WA. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other important issues to consider also, including the school's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Bremerton WA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Bremerton WA dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish 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 aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a great option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Bremerton WA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical 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 get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bremerton WA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bremerton WA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Bremerton WA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bremerton WA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Bremerton WA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial 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 schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bremerton WA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Bremerton WA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bremerton
Pick the Right Bremerton Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bremerton Washington.
Bremerton Dental Hygienist Schools | Bremerton Dental Hygiene Schools