How to Select a Dental Hygienist College near North Wilkesboro North Carolina

Picking the right dental hygienist school near North Wilkesboro NC is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other crucial factors to consider also, such as the college’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 2 to 3 years to complete. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the North Wilkesboro NC dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Instructing patients about oral care
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

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 must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam in addition to passing any state licensure exams. Once 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 Education Options

Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in North Wilkesboro NC dental offices are often 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 virtually 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 clinical aspect to the training as well| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a good option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your North Wilkesboro NC home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. 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 needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.

Subjects to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in North Wilkesboro NC, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. North Wilkesboro NC employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the college you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local North Wilkesboro NC dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way to receive hands-on, practical 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 create professional relationships in the North Wilkesboro NC dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the programs you are considering 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 North Wilkesboro NC dental profession 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 reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the North Wilkesboro NC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the North Wilkesboro NC area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near North Wilkesboro NC at nights 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 because of illness, work or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near North Wilkesboro NC?

Pick the Right Dental Hygienist Program near North Wilkesboro NC

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination 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 fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire 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 usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in North Wilkesboro NC.

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