Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Oak Harbor Washington
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Oak Harbor WA is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the right way to come to a decision. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, for instance the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at 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 duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Oak Harbor WA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Oak Harbor WA dental practices are generally required to have 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 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Oak Harbor WA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Oak Harbor WA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, 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 several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Oak Harbor 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 obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Oak Harbor WA dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to obtain 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Oak Harbor WA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Oak Harbor WA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Oak Harbor WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Oak Harbor WA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Oak Harbor
Enroll in the Best Oak Harbor Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Oak Harbor Washington.
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