Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Right One Near Covington Washington
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Covington WA. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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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 independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Covington WA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting 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 every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Covington WA dental offices 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 almost 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Covington WA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Covington WA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Covington WA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Covington WA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to receive 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Covington WA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Covington WA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Covington WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Covington WA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have 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 due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Covington
Pick the Right Covington Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Covington Washington.
Covington Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Covington Dental Hygienist Degree