Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Claysburg PA 16625

Brian — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 19:04:01 +0000

How to Choose a Dental Hygienist Program near Claysburg Pennsylvania

Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Claysburg PA is an important initial 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 much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant issues to consider also, for instance the school’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 finish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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The Function of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Claysburg PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

Removing plaque, tartar and stains
Applying fluoride treatments
Applying sealants and polishing teeth
Educating patients about oral care
Taking X-rays and developing film
Removing sutures and applying fillings

To qualify for licensing in nearly 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 in addition to passing any state licensing exams. After they have fulfilled these requirements they are considered fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Claysburg PA dental offices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 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 clinical component to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a great option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Claysburg PA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.

What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Claysburg PA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for some online options also. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School 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 requirement in almost all states. To qualify 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 training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Claysburg PA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Claysburg PA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way 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 professional relationships in the Claysburg PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Claysburg PA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Claysburg PA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, 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 costs 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 colleges, don’t forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Claysburg PA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Claysburg PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, 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 have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Claysburg PA?

Claysburg, Pennsylvania

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 1,503 people, 616 households, and 442 families residing in the CDP. There were 653 housing units at an average density of 254.9/sq mi (98.5/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.54% White, 0.13% African American, 0.33% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.

There were 616 households, out of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 20.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $27,625, and the median income for a family was $29,792. Males had a median income of $28,911 versus $17,931 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,277. About 17.0% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

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Enroll in the Best Dental Hygienist School near Claysburg PA

Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period 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 programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Claysburg PA.