Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Kent Washington
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Kent WA is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to analyze and compare your school options. Picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Kent WA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Kent WA dental offices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a viable option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Kent WA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Kent WA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Kent WA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Kent WA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to obtain hands-on, practical 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 form professional relationships in the Kent WA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Kent WA dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Kent WA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Kent WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Kent WA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need 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 because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Kent
Enroll in the Right Kent Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to acquire 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, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose 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 appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Kent Washington.
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