Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Newnan GA 30263 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Choose a Dental Hygienist Program near Newnan Georgia

Newnan GA dental hygienist with patient Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Newnan GA is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other important issues to take into account also, for instance the college’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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The Role of a Dental Hygienist

Newnan GA pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Newnan GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting 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 every patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

Removing tartar, stains and plaque
Applying fluoride treatments
Polishing teeth and applying sealants
Educating patients about oral care
Taking and developing X-rays
Removing sutures and applying fillings

To qualify for licensing in nearly 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. After they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Newnan GA 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 aspect to the training as well| Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Classes

attending dental hygienist school online in Newnan GA Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a viable option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Newnan GA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.

Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Newnan GA dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Newnan GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options as well. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Newnan GA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Newnan GA dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive 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 are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Newnan GA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Newnan GA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.

What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as 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 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 include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Newnan GA area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Newnan GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Newnan GA?

Newnan, Georgia

Newnan is a city in Metro Atlanta and the county seat of Coweta County, Georgia, approximately 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Atlanta. The population was 33,039 at the 2010 census,[4] up from 16,242 in 2000, for a growth rate of 153.1% over that decade.

Newnan was established as county seat of Coweta County (replacing the defunct town of Bullsboro) in 1828 and was named for North Carolinian General Daniel Newnan. It quickly became a prosperous magnet for lawyers, doctors, other professionals, and merchants. Much of Newnan's prosperity was due to its thriving cotton industry, which relied on slavery.

Newnan was largely untouched by the Civil War due to its status as a hospital city (for Confederate troops), and as a result still features much antebellum architecture. Celebrated architect Kennon Perry designed many of the town's 20th century homes. During the Atlanta Campaign, Confederate cavalry defeated Union forces at the nearby Battle of Brown's Mill.

On April 23, 1899, a notorious lynching occurred after an African-American man by the name of Sam Hose (born Tom Wilkes) was accused of killing his boss, Alfred Cranford. Hose was abducted from police custody, paraded through Newnan, tortured, and burned alive just north of town by a lynch mob of approximately 2,000 citizens of Coweta County.

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Pick the Best Dental Hygienist Program near Newnan GA

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 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 elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Newnan GA.