Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Covington KY 41011 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Pick a Dental Hygienist College near Covington Kentucky

Covington KY dental hygienist with patient Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Covington KY is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider also, such as the school’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. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

The Job of a Dental Hygienist

Covington KY pediatric dental hygienist with patient When contrasting 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 Covington KY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

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

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

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Covington KY 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 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 practical aspect to the training as well| A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Schools

attending dental hygienist school online in Covington KY Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Covington KY home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.

Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Covington KY dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Covington KY, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options also. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Covington KY employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Covington KY dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Covington KY dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Covington KY dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Covington KY dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example 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 expenses 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 programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Covington KY area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Covington KY at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, 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 need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Covington KY?

Covington, Kentucky

Covington is a city in Kenton County, Kentucky, located at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers. Cincinnati, Ohio, lies to its north across the Ohio and Newport, Kentucky, to its east across the Licking. Part of the Cincinnati–Northern Kentucky metropolitan area, Covington had a population of 40,640 at the time of the 2010 U.S. census, making it the fifth-most populous city in Kentucky.[2] It is one of its county's two seats,[3] along with Independence.

The initial American settlement at Covington was known as The Point, from its position at the confluence of the Licking and Ohio Rivers. When it was laid out in 1815, it was named in honor of Gen. Leonard Covington,[4] who was killed at the Battle of Crysler's Farm during the War of 1812.[5]

In 1814, John Gano, Richard Gano, and Thomas Carneal purchased The Point, 150 acres (0.6 km2) of land on the west side of the Licking River at its confluence with the Ohio, from Thomas Kennedy for $50,000, and laid out the settlement of Covington the next year.[6] The town was formally incorporated by the Kentucky General Assembly a year later[citation needed] and raised to city status in 1834.[5]

The city prospered as an emporium for northern Kentucky's tobacco and cigar production.[7] In 1862, Stewart Iron Works was established; for a time, it was the largest iron fence maker in the world. There were also distilleries, glassworks, and stove factories.[7] Like nearby Cincinnati, Covington's factories and businesses were particularly staffed by Catholic and German immigrants.[7] Its Catholic church was eventually raised to the level of a bishopric.[5]

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Find the Ideal Dental Hygienist Program near Covington KY

Choosing the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. 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 choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Covington KY.