Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Pick the Right One Near Seatac Washington
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near Seatac WA. But prior to making your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. Picking the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and should be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the job 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 Seatac WA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Seatac WA dental practices are usually 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a viable option for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Seatac WA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Seatac WA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives also. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Seatac WA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Seatac WA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Seatac WA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Seatac WA dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Seatac WA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges 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 costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Seatac WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Seatac WA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Seatac
Enroll in the Right Seatac Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Seatac Washington.
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