Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Tumwater Washington
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist college near Tumwater WA. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other important factors to take into account also, such as the program's accreditation and reputation. 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 consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing 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 Description
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Tumwater WA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying 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
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Tumwater WA dental practices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete 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 aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Tumwater WA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Tumwater WA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Tumwater WA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in offers sufficient 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, check that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Tumwater WA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal method to receive hands-on, practical 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Tumwater WA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Tumwater WA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Tumwater WA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Tumwater 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 addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Tumwater
Enroll in the Right Tumwater Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Tumwater Washington.
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