Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Platteville Wisconsin
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Platteville WI is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at 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 contrasting the duties 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 Platteville WI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Platteville WI dental offices are normally required to have 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 vocational 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for obtaining 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 remainder of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Platteville WI home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive 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 right option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Platteville WI, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence 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 enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Platteville WI employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in 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 have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Platteville WI dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Platteville WI dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Platteville WI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Platteville WI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Platteville WI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Platteville
Choose the Best Platteville Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Platteville Wisconsin.
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