Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Huntington West Virginia
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Huntington WV is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. Selecting the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. There are other important factors to take into account as well, including the college's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Huntington WV practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. 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 responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Huntington WV dental practices are normally 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a great option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Huntington WV home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Huntington WV, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Huntington WV employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Huntington WV dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive 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 professional relationships in the Huntington WV dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Huntington WV dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Huntington WV dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Huntington WV area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Huntington WV at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Huntington
Choose the Right Huntington Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Huntington West Virginia.
Huntington How To Become A Dental Hygienist | Huntington Dental Hygienist Courses