Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Vancouver Washington
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist program near Vancouver WA. But prior to making your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other important issues to take into account also, including the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Vancouver WA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Vancouver WA dental offices are often 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Vancouver WA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the right option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Vancouver WA, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly 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 ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Vancouver WA employers typically 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 offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Vancouver WA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to get 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Vancouver WA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Check with the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Vancouver WA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume 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 in addition to the tuition there are other substantial 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 colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Vancouver WA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Vancouver 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 due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Vancouver
Pick the Best Vancouver Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal 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 we have covered, there are several options offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to 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 right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Vancouver Washington.
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