Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Powder Springs GA 30127

How to Enroll In a Dental Hygienist School near Powder Springs Georgia

Powder Springs GA dental hygienist with patient Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Powder Springs GA is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other significant issues to consider as well, including the program’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Job of a Dental Hygienist

Powder Springs GA pediatric dental hygienist with patient When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Powder Springs GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

Removing stains, tartar and plaque
Administering fluoride treatments
Polishing teeth and applying sealants
Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
Taking and developing X-rays
Applying fillings and removing sutures

In order to be licensed in almost all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensure exams. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Powder Springs GA dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 Powder Springs GA Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a great option 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 by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Powder Springs GA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.

Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Powder Springs GA dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Powder Springs GA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify 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 instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Powder Springs GA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.

Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Powder Springs GA dental office that focuses on dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Powder Springs GA dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Powder Springs GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.

What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Powder Springs GA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Powder Springs GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Powder Springs GA?

Powder Springs, Georgia

In 2015 the city elected its first black mayor, Al Thurman. He was the first African American to be elected as mayor in Cobb County,[7] but was one of several elected in small towns in Georgia in 2015.[8]

The town of Powder Springs was incorporated as Springville in 1838 in the lands of two Cherokee Indian leaders. Gold had been discovered in Georgia ten years earlier, and the first European-American settlers came to find gold. The settlers found little gold in the mines at Lost Mountain and off Brownsville Road. It was at about this time that the Cherokee people were forced off their land and removed to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River on the Trail of Tears.

Springville was renamed as Powder Springs in 1859. The name was derived from the seven springs in the city limits.[9] The water in these springs contains some 26 minerals that turn the surrounding sand black like gunpowder – hence the earlier name of Gunpowder Springs.[10]

Civil War history includes a skirmish at Lattermore's Mills on June 20, 1864, that was a part of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and General Sherman's Atlanta Campaign.[11] Many slaves escaped the plantations in this area to join Sherman's forces and gain freedom.

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Enroll in the Ideal Dental Hygienist College near Powder Springs GA

Selecting the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing 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 commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Powder Springs GA.