Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Ankeny IA 50015 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Choose a Dental Hygienist Program near Ankeny Iowa

Ankeny IA dental hygienist with patient Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Ankeny IA is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant issues to take into account as well, for instance the college’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 complete. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

The Function of a Dental Hygienist

Ankeny IA pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Ankeny IA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

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

In order to be licensed 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 Exam as well as 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, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Ankeny IA dental practices are generally 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 virtually every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Training

attending dental hygienist school online in Ankeny IA Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a good alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Ankeny IA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.

Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Ankeny IA dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Ankeny IA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Ankeny IA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.

Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only important that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Ankeny IA dental office that focuses on dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to obtain 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Ankeny IA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Ankeny IA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.

What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs 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 colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Ankeny IA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Ankeny IA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Ankeny IA?

Ankeny, Iowa

Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States and home to Des Moines Area Community College. Ankeny is a rapidly growing suburb located just north of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city. Ankeny covers approximately 33 square miles and has a population of 62,000. The U.S. Census Bureau recently named Ankeny the fastest growing city in the Midwest and the 14th fastest growing city in the United States.

The population was 45,562 in the 2010 census, an increase of 68% from the 27,117 population in the 2000 census.[4][5] Ankeny is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is one of the most affluent cities in all of Iowa.

Ankeny was founded by John and Sarah Ankeny in 1875 and was incorporated on February 28, 1903.[6] A railroad link from Des Moines through Ankeny to Ames was completed in 1874 and passenger service established in 1880.[6]

Coal mining became an important activity in the Ankeny area in the early 20th century. The Anderson Coal Company sank a shaft 2 miles (3 km) southeast of Ankeny in 1908. Enterprise, 4 miles (6 km) east of Ankeny, was the company town of the Enterprise Coal Company, with two large mines opened in 1903 and 1907.[7] In 1914, the Enterprise Coal Company produced over 100,000 tons of coal, ranking among the top 24 coal producers in the state.[8] In 1912, United Mine Workers Local 2476 in Ankeny had 246 members, over half of the total population at the time, and Local 2511 in Enterprise had 395 members.[9]

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Enroll in the Best Dental Hygienist School near Ankeny IA

Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 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 asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Ankeny IA.