Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Milwaukee Wisconsin
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Milwaukee WI is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs 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 Description
When comparing the role 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 in support of the Milwaukee WI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Milwaukee WI dental offices are normally 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 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a good alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Milwaukee WI home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Milwaukee WI, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Milwaukee WI employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like 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 Milwaukee WI dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to receive 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Check 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 Milwaukee WI dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Milwaukee WI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private 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 schools, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Milwaukee WI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Milwaukee WI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose 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 illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Milwaukee
Pick the Right Milwaukee Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education 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 generally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Milwaukee Wisconsin.
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