Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Edmonds Washington
Picking the right dental hygienist college near Edmonds WA is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. There are other significant issues to take into account also, including the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically 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 factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Edmonds WA dental practices are normally 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Edmonds WA 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 traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Edmonds WA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online options also. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Edmonds WA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select provides sufficient 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, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Edmonds WA dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Edmonds WA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Edmonds WA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs 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 add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Edmonds WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Edmonds WA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required 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 because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Edmonds
Choose the Best Edmonds Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is essential if you want 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 offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Edmonds Washington.
Edmonds Dental Hygienist Schools | Edmonds Dental Hygiene Schools