Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Burtonsville MD is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, such as the school’s accreditation and reputation. 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. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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

The Job of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Burtonsville MD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. 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 duties can include:

• Removing stains, tartar and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
• Taking and developing X-rays
• 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 also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam as well as any state licensure exams. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Burtonsville MD dental offices are usually 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical component 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 college can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Burtonsville MD home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.

Questions to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Burtonsville MD, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to reach 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 right dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order 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 instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Burtonsville MD employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.

Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you enroll in provides enough 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 enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Burtonsville MD dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Burtonsville MD dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Burtonsville MD dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Burtonsville MD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

 What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don’t forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Burtonsville MD area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Burtonsville MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Burtonsville MD?

Enroll in the Right Dental Hygienist School near Burtonsville MD

Enrolling in the ideal 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 offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive 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 asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Burtonsville MD.

More Great Cities in Maryland

Business Results 1 - 10 of 882

North Potomac Smiles

84 Reviews

Dentists

Phone:

15200 Shady Grove Rd, Ste 408, Rockville, MD 20850

Columbia Prime Dental

15 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Endodontists

Phone:

6801 Douglas Legum Dr, Ste C, Elkridge, MD 21075

EJM Dental Studio

32 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

10840 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Ste 401, Columbia, MD 21044

Greenway Dental Group

17 Reviews

Orthodontists, Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

7625 Greenway Center Dr, Ste 102, Greenbelt, MD 20770

Pearl Smiles Dental

28 Reviews

General Dentistry, Endodontists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

6020 Meadowridge Ctr Dr, Ste A, Elkridge, MD 21075

Nova Dental Partners - Old Town

52 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

1500 King St, Ste 300, Alexandria, VA 22314

Park Dental Office - Stephen Park & Brian Park, DDS

41 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

8630 Fenton St, Ste 928, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Dechter & Moy Dentistry, LLC

55 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

12900 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906

Lighthouse Dental

66 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

2445 26th Rd, Arlington, VA 22206

Robert Mantoni

37 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

8757 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Burtonsville MD 20866 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.