Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Springvale ME 04083 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Pick a Dental Hygienist College near Springvale Maine

Springvale ME dental hygienist with patient Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Springvale ME is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other important issues to take into account as well, for instance the school’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

The Duties of Dental Hygienists

Springvale ME pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Springvale ME 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 sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

Removing plaque, tartar and stains
Applying fluoride treatments
Polishing teeth and applying sealants
Teaching patients regarding 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 also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensure exams. When they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Springvale ME dental offices are generally 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 finish 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| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Classes

attending dental hygienist school online in Springvale ME Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a good option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Springvale ME home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Springvale ME dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Springvale ME, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order 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 education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Springvale ME employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Springvale ME dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to receive hands-on, clinical 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Springvale ME dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Springvale ME dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Springvale ME area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Springvale ME in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Springvale ME?

Springvale, Maine

Springvale is a village and former census-designated place in the city of Sanford in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,292 at the 2010 census.[1] It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The CDP was abolished when the town of Sanford reincorporated as a city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.2 square miles (8.4 km2), of which 3.1 square miles (8.1 km2) is land and 0.12 square miles (0.3 km2), or 3.69%, is water.[1] Springvale is drained by the Mousam River.

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, Springvale has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[3]

As of the census of 2010, there were 3,292 people, 1,402 households, and 828 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,061.9 people per square mile (406.4/km²). There were 1,552 housing units at an average density of 500.6/sq mi (191.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.6% White, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.4% some other race, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.[4]

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Enroll in the Right Dental Hygienist College near Springvale ME

Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives available to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Springvale ME.