Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Marshfield Wisconsin
A critical first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist school near Marshfield WI. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider also, including the college'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 a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Marshfield WI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Marshfield WI dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a viable option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Marshfield WI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the ideal option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Marshfield WI, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly 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 guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Marshfield WI employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select provides adequate 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, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Marshfield WI dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to receive hands-on, clinical 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 Marshfield WI dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Marshfield WI dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Marshfield WI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Marshfield WI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Marshfield WI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Marshfield
Choose the Best Marshfield Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Marshfield Wisconsin.
Marshfield Dental Hygiene Schools | Marshfield Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me