Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Mountlake Terrace Washington
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Mountlake Terrace WA. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
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 assists the Mountlake Terrace WA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Mountlake Terrace WA dental practices are generally 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 practical component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Mountlake Terrace WA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the best choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mountlake Terrace WA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options also. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school 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. Mountlake Terrace WA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Mountlake Terrace WA dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best method 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Mountlake Terrace WA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Mountlake Terrace WA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools 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 comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Mountlake Terrace WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Mountlake Terrace WA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Mountlake Terrace
Choose the Right Mountlake Terrace Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is imperative 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 obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Mountlake Terrace Washington.
Mountlake Terrace Dental Hygienist Schools | Mountlake Terrace Dental Hygiene Schools