How to Pick a Dental Hygienist School near Hancock Maine
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist college near Hancock ME is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other significant factors to take into account as well, such as the program’s reputation and accreditation. 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 finish. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
The Duties of a Dental Hygienist
When contrasting the duties 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 Hancock ME practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
To qualify for licensing in nearly 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 Exam in addition to passing any state licensing exams. Once they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Hancock ME dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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 practical component to the training as well| A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a great alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind 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 available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Hancock ME home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Hancock ME, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition 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 guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Hancock ME employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Hancock ME dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means 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 too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Hancock ME dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Hancock ME dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Hancock ME area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Hancock ME at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Attending Dental Hygienist School near Hancock ME?
Hancock, Maine
Hancock is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,394 at the 2010 census. Located on the mainland at the head of Frenchman Bay, Hancock has commanding views of Mount Desert Island.
It was first settled in 1766 by Philip and S. Hodgkins from Georgetown.[4] Formed from portions of Sullivan, Trenton and Plantation No. 8, the town was incorporated by the state legislature on February 21, 1828[5] and named for John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence.[6][7] It had two water power sites to operate mills—the Kilkenny and Egypt streams. There was one gristmill, four shingle mills and four lath mills. Other products included staves, lumber, boots, shoes, wagons and sleighs. Many inhabitants were engaged in seafaring, particularly fishing at the Grand Banks.[8]
During World War II, German spies Erich Gimpel and William Colepaugh landed by submarine in Hancock, then traveled to New York City. These spies would eventually be captured, tried, and sentenced to death before their sentences were commuted and they were eventually released.[9]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 38.87 square miles (100.67 km2), of which 30.04 square miles (77.80 km2) is land and 8.83 square miles (22.87 km2) is water.[1] Drained by the Kilkenny Stream and Egypt Stream, Hancock is situated on Skillings River, Taunton Bay and Frenchman Bay, part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pick the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Hancock ME
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Hancock ME.
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