How to Select a Dental Hygienist School near Thomaston Georgia

Picking the right dental hygienist school near Thomaston GA 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 performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other crucial issues to take into account as well, such as the program’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 2 to 3 years to finish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

The Job of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Thomaston GA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. 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
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Instructing patients about oral hygiene
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must have graduated 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 licensure examinations. After they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Thomaston GA dental practices are usually 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 nearly 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 clinical component to the training as well| A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Classes

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Thomaston GA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.

Points to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Thomaston GA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online options also. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Thomaston GA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Thomaston GA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective way to get 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 professional relationships in the Thomaston GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Thomaston GA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Thomaston GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.

 What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Thomaston GA area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Thomaston GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Thomaston GA?

Find the Ideal Dental Hygienist College near Thomaston GA

Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Thomaston GA.

More Great Cities in Georgia

Business Results 1 - 10 of 2

Aspen Dental

2 Reviews

General Dentistry, Oral Surgeons, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

1447 N Expy, Ste A, Griffin, GA 30223

Hamilton, Timothy F Dr

1 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

303 S 8th St, Griffin, GA 30224