Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Royal Oak MI is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, including 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 finish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

[campusexplorer header_text=”Find Dental Hygienist Schools Near You!” aos=”75346615″ concentration=”2D77CE61″ tracking=”DENTHYG”]

The Role of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Royal Oak MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees 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. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

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

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must graduate 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 deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Royal Oak MI dental practices are often required to have 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 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 aspect to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a great option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Royal Oak MI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Royal Oak MI, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, 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 a number of important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Royal Oak MI employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Royal Oak MI dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to get hands-on, clinical 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 develop professional relationships in the Royal Oak MI dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Royal Oak MI dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Royal Oak MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools 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 add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Royal Oak MI area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Royal Oak MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required 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 responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Royal Oak MI?

Select the Best Dental Hygienist School near Royal Oak MI

Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is important 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 several options available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Royal Oak MI.

More Great Cities in Michigan

Business Results 1 - 10 of 256

Bruce Duchan, DDS

33 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

911 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067

North Oaks Dental

54 Reviews

Orthodontists, Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

3213 Rochester Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073

Bloomfield Hills Dental Associates

7 Reviews

General Dentistry, Oral Surgeons, Pediatric Dentists

Phone:

36700 Woodward Ave, Ste 200, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

29 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry, Endodontists

Phone:

940 E 11 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067

University Dental Associates

9 Reviews

Oral Surgeons, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

435 Pine St, Rochester, MI 48307

Keith Kelley, DDS

3 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Periodontists

Phone:

1913 W South Blvd, Troy, MI 48098

Cranbrook Dental Care

10 Reviews

General Dentistry, Oral Surgeons, Prosthodontists

Phone:

33 Bloomfield Hills Pkwy, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Redwood Dental - Shelby Township

4 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry, Orthodontists

Phone:

45720 Schoenherr Rd, Shelby Charter Township, MI 48315

John Kazanowski, DDS - My Magic Dentist

3 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Endodontists

Phone:

31700 Telegraph Rd, Ste 100, Bingham Farms, MI 48025

Bradley M. Silber, DDS & Associates

17 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Pediatric Dentists

Phone:

1711 E 11 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Royal Oak MI 48067 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.