Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program near Blythewood SC is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other important factors to consider also, such as the program’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 finish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the role 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 assists the Blythewood SC 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 interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Teaching patients regarding oral care
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

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 Exam in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. After they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Blythewood SC dental offices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and technical 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Classes

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for getting 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 provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Blythewood SC home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the proper 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 option for you.

Topics to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Blythewood SC, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, 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 furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify 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 training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Blythewood SC employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.

Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Blythewood SC dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to obtain 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 form professional relationships in the Blythewood SC dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Blythewood SC dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.

Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Blythewood SC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

 What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don’t forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Blythewood SC area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Blythewood SC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Blythewood SC?

Select the Right Dental Hygienist College near Blythewood SC

Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Blythewood SC.

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