How to Find the Right Dental Hygienist School near Highmore South Dakota
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist college near Highmore SD is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, such as the college’s reputation and accreditation. 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. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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The Role of a Dental Hygienist
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Highmore SD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one 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 report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- 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 as well as any state licensing examinations. Once they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Highmore SD dental offices are often 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 nearly 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 dental practices or dentists.
Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Highmore SD home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Highmore SD, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Highmore SD employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Highmore SD dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to get 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools 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 Highmore SD dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Highmore SD dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Highmore SD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify 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 need to go to classes near Highmore SD at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Attending Dental Hygienist School near Highmore SD?
Highmore, South Dakota
As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 795 people, 347 households, and 201 families residing in the city. The population density was 420.6 inhabitants per square mile (162.4/km2). There were 393 housing units at an average density of 207.9 per square mile (80.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 91.7% White, 6.5% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.
There were 347 households of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.1% were non-families. 39.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.94.
The median age in the city was 47.4 years. 23.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.4% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 26.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.
As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 851 people, 378 households, and 210 families residing in the city. The population density was 445.3 people per square mile (172.0/km²). There were 432 housing units at an average density of 226.0 per square mile (87.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.89% White, 3.41% Native American, 0.24% Pacific Islander, and 0.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.12% of the population.
Select the Best Dental Hygienist Program near Highmore SD
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is imperative 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 numerous alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Highmore SD.
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