Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Lynnwood Washington
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Lynnwood WA is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, for instance the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Lynnwood WA practice and the dentists. 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 interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lynnwood WA dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a good alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Lynnwood WA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental practice 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 dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lynnwood WA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lynnwood WA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college 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, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lynnwood WA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, practical 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lynnwood WA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Lynnwood WA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs 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 schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with 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 colleges, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lynnwood WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Lynnwood WA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need 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 issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lynnwood
Enroll in the Right Lynnwood Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lynnwood Washington.
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