How to Select a Dental Hygienist College near South China Maine
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist college near South China ME is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other significant factors to consider also, for instance the school’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 accomplish. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
The Duties of Dental Hygienists
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the South China ME practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each 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 tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
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 also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam in addition to passing any state licensing examinations. Once they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in South China ME dental practices are usually required to have 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 nearly every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your South China ME home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in South China ME, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. South China ME employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the college you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local South China ME dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the South China ME dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the schools you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the South China ME dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don’t forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the South China ME area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near South China ME in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Attending Dental Hygienist School near South China ME?
South China, Maine
South China is a village in the town of China in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. It is one of five villages of China. It is between the cities of Augusta and Waterville. It is both an hour and a half from Bangor and Portland. Route 3 runs through the main part of the town. It is sometimes known as South Oak Hill Road.
South China Lake is home to Friends Camp, a Quaker summer camp which has been active for over 50 years. It is the home of a Christian church, named South China Community Church, across from the South China library (the oldest operating library in Maine). The church is open to and welcomes all practicing Christians of any denomination. Three-Mile Pond can be accessed from Route 3, a mile south of the South China Community Church. South China is also home to Maine's second largest private high school, Erskine Academy.
Ron Reed Antiques is on Mayflower Drive. At the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Mayflower Drive is the Pond and three camps to the right is Grammy's Camp at 12 West Washington Boulevard. It also used to contain a small restaurant that served breakfast and lunch known as "Dog Days." Now however it is a Curves. In 2008, a new restaurant was established in the town known as the "China Dine-ah" which serves country cooking style meals and sells various apparel with its logo on it. MJEK's grill opened in the summer of 2012 right beside the China Dine-ah. An ice cream shop, Back's Dairy Bar, is open during the spring and summer. During the summer it also opens a food section known as "Fat Joe's", which serves seafood, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other American meals. The small village, despite its old appearance, is rapidly growing.[citation needed] Recently, a new Hannaford's was constructed right off of Route 3. A Family Dollar store was also recently built. The current Norm's restaurant opened in 2013 adjacent to the Family Dollar on Route 3. Most recent is the upgrade of a convenience store also on Route 3. It has both a Subway and a Dunkin' Donuts franchise in it.
For the people who live or go here during vacation, swimming in China Lake is a popular pastime. There is a small beach area by the China Community Church on Lakeview Drive. In the winter of 2013, G.O. Tubing opened up on Alder Park Road. South China is only a fifteen minute's drive from places such as Augusta and Lake St. George.
Enroll in the Ideal Dental Hygienist Program near South China ME
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is essential 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 many alternatives available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period 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 usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in South China ME.
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