Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Choose the Best One Near Menomonie Wisconsin
The most important first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist school near Menomonie WI. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Picking the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Menomonie WI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. 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 may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Menomonie WI dental practices are often required to hold 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Menomonie WI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Menomonie WI, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Menomonie WI employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose provides adequate 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, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Menomonie WI dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Menomonie WI dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Menomonie WI dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Menomonie WI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary 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 public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Menomonie WI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in 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 getting your education and have to attend classes near Menomonie WI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Menomonie
Choose the Right Menomonie Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose 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 right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Menomonie Wisconsin.
Menomonie Dental Hygiene Schools | Menomonie Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me