How to Select a Dental Hygienist Training Program near Easton Maine
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Easton ME is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other important factors to take into account also, for instance the college’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
The Job of a Dental Hygienist
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 in support of the Easton ME dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees 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. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
To qualify for licensing 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 in addition to passing any state licensure exams. After they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Easton ME dental offices are often required to hold 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 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| Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just remember 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 accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Easton ME home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Easton ME, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school 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. Easton ME employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Easton ME dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the best 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 establish professional relationships in the Easton ME dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Easton ME dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Easton ME dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don’t forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Easton ME area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Easton ME at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Attending Dental Hygienist School near Easton ME?
Easton, Maine
In 1851 the first known residence in the Easton wilderness was built by Henry Wilson, who had taught school in Presque Isle.[4] When Solomon Bolster arrived in 1854, he joined Henry Wilson and Augustus Rackliffe, its sole residents.[5] In 1855-1856, Noah Barker partitioned the township into 142 lots of 160 acres in size, thereby determining its layout.[4][6] The state opened it for settlement, and on July 26, 1856 it was organized as the Fremont Plantation. A schoolhouse was built in 1858 and the first of several lumber mills was constructed in another year.[4] By 1860 the population was 320.[4] Growth of the population slowed during the Civil War, and the town of Easton was incorporated 1865.[7] Economic growth was slow, evidenced by an 1862 record that taxes should be paid in grain or shingles.[4] The first store was opened in 1863.[4] A starch factory was built in 1877, and a steam shingle mill in 1879.[4] Easton became "one of the greatest potato producing towns in the County. . .[4] The 1880s saw the appearance of the Methodists and the Free Will Baptists--also the Odd Fellows.[4] By 1880 the population was 835; by 1890, 978.[4]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 38.93 square miles (100.83 km2), of which 38.71 square miles (100.26 km2) is land and 0.22 square miles (0.57 km2) is water.[1]
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Easton has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[8]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,287 people, 536 households, and 352 families residing in the town. The population density was 33.2 inhabitants per square mile (12.8/km2). There were 596 housing units at an average density of 15.4 per square mile (5.9/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.6% White, 0.3% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.
Pick the Ideal Dental Hygienist College near Easton ME
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two 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 choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Easton ME.
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