Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Canton GA is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other important factors to consider as well, including the school’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

[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 hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Canton GA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

• Removing stains, tartar and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Teaching patients about oral care
• 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 must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensure exams. When they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Canton GA dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 practical component to the training as well| Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Colleges

Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Canton GA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be performed 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 provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.

Points to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Canton GA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order 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 instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Canton GA employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you choose provides enough 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 enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Canton GA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, practical 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Canton GA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Canton GA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 examining the cost of colleges, don’t forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Canton GA area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Canton GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Canton GA?

Choose the Best Dental Hygienist School near Canton GA

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Canton GA.

More Great Cities in Georgia

Business Results 1 - 10 of 315

Dan Patterson, DDS

1 Reviews

Oral Surgeons, General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

6875 Hickory Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188

Canton Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics

15 Reviews

General Dentistry, Oral Surgeons, Orthodontists

Phone:

1425 Riverstone Pkwy, Ste 200, Canton, GA 30114

Heart of Vinings Dentistry

110 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

2859 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Ste 530, Atlanta, GA 30339

Atlanta West Dentistry

12 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry, Orthodontists

Phone:

1808 Powder Springs Rd, Marietta, GA 30064

Canton Pediatric Dentistry PC

5 Reviews

Pediatric Dentists

Phone:

3395 Sixes Rd, Ste 140, Canton, GA 30114

BridgeMill Dentistry

33 Reviews

Pediatric Dentists, Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

3682 Sixes Rd, Canton, GA 30114

Family Dental of Canton

6 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

3237 Sixes Road, Canton, GA 30114

Thomas Lee Dodson, DMD

9 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

1405 Old Alabama Rd, Ste 100, Roswell, GA 30076

Dental Excellence of Kennesaw

3 Reviews

General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

2750 Watts Dr NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Nia Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

19 Reviews

Orthodontists, Pediatric Dentists

Phone:

150 Prominence Point Pkwy, Ste 500, Canton, GA 30114

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Canton GA 30114 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.