Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Mequon Wisconsin
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist school near Mequon WI. But before you can make your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at 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 Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Mequon WI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with 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 duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Mequon WI dental practices are often 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 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 dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Mequon WI home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mequon WI, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Mequon WI employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Mequon WI dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Mequon WI dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Mequon WI dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials 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 offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Mequon WI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Mequon WI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Mequon
Pick the Right Mequon Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right 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 many alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Mequon Wisconsin.
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