Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Springdale PA 15144 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Select a Dental Hygienist College near Springdale Pennsylvania

Springdale PA dental hygienist with patient Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Springdale PA is an essential initial step toward starting 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 doing your due diligence than selecting the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. There are other important issues to take into account as well, such as 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 more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. 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 review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

Springdale PA pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Springdale PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

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

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Springdale PA dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three 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 practical aspect to the training as well| A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs

attending dental hygienist school online in Springdale PA Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a viable option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Springdale PA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically 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 proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.

Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs

teeth cleaned by Springdale PA dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Springdale PA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options also. Although these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, 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 College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Springdale PA 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, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide 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 kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Springdale PA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Springdale PA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Springdale PA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Springdale PA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Springdale PA 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 making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Springdale PA?

Springdale, Pennsylvania

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2), of which 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2), or 13.76%, is water.

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 3,828 people, 1,685 households, and 1,034 families residing in the borough. The population density was 4,104.2 people per square mile (1,589.2/km²). There were 1,802 housing units at an average density of 1,932.0 per square mile (748.1/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 99.03% White, 0.29% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 0.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.21% of the population.

There were 1,685 households, out of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the borough the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

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Choose the Best Dental Hygienist Program near Springdale PA

Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is essential 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 a number of alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 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 ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Springdale PA.