Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Tukwila Washington
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Tukwila WA is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the right way to come to a decision. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, including the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges 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 Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Tukwila WA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Tukwila 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Tukwila WA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies 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 clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the right choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Tukwila WA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at 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 ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, 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 establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Tukwila WA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? 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 schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Tukwila WA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Tukwila WA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Tukwila WA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. 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 schools, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Tukwila WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Tukwila WA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, 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 because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Tukwila
Pick the Right Tukwila Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is imperative 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 relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Tukwila Washington.
Tukwila Dental Hygiene Schools | Tukwila Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me