Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Burien Washington
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Burien WA is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore 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 most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Burien WA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Burien WA dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Burien WA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Burien WA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many 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 condition in virtually 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 get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Burien WA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Burien WA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Burien WA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Burien WA dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the programs you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Burien WA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. 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 examining the cost of programs, 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 available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Burien WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Burien WA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Burien
Enroll in the Best Burien Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Burien Washington.
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