Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Gainesville FL 32601

How to Choose a Dental Hygienist Program near Gainesville Florida

Gainesville FL dental hygienist with patient Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Gainesville FL is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, for instance the college’s reputation and accreditation. 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 complete. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Role of a Dental Hygienist

Gainesville FL pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Gainesville FL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform 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
Educating patients regarding oral care
Taking X-rays and developing film
Applying fillings and removing sutures

To qualify for licensing in almost all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensing examinations. When they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Gainesville FL dental practices are usually 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 finish 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 practical component to the training as well| A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

attending dental hygienist school online in Gainesville FL Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Gainesville FL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.

Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Gainesville FL dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Gainesville FL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Gainesville FL employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the program you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Gainesville FL dental office that focuses on dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method 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 establish professional relationships in the Gainesville FL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Gainesville FL dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Gainesville FL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.

What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. 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 analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Gainesville FL area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Gainesville FL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Gainesville FL?

Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville is the county seat and largest city in Alachua County, Florida, United States, and the principal city of the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The population of Gainesville in the 2013 US Census estimates was 127,488,[10] a 2.4% growth from 2010.[11][12] Gainesville is the largest city in the region of North Central Florida. It is also a component of the Gainesville-Lake City Combined Statistical Area, which had a 2013 population of 337,925.

Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, the nation's fifth-largest university campus by enrollment, as well as to Santa Fe College. The Gainesville MSA was ranked as the No. 1 place to live in North America in the 2007 edition of Cities Ranked and Rated.[13] Also in 2007, Gainesville was ranked as one of the "best places to live and play" in the United States by National Geographic Adventure.[14]

Gainesville is located at 29°39'55" North, 82°20'10" West (29.665245, −82.336097),[15] which is roughly the same latitude as Houston, Texas. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 62.4 square miles (161.6 km2), of which 61.3 square miles (158.8 km2) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2) is water. The total area is 1.74% water.[11]

Gainesville's tree canopy is both dense and species rich, including broadleaf evergreens, conifers, and deciduous species; the city has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation every year since 1982 as a "Tree City, USA".

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Pick the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Gainesville FL

Selecting the right dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide 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 Gainesville FL.