Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Flowery Branch GA is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must evaluate 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 college that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the college’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 two to three years to accomplish. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Flowery Branch GA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Instructing patients about oral hygiene
• Taking and developing X-rays
• 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 must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensing exams. Once they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Flowery Branch GA dental offices are normally required to hold 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 virtually 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| Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Classes

Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a great option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Flowery Branch GA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Flowery Branch GA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Flowery Branch GA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the program you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Flowery Branch GA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to get 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 professional relationships in the Flowery Branch GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Flowery Branch GA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Flowery Branch GA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.

 What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance 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 colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Flowery Branch GA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers 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 Flowery Branch GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Flowery Branch GA?

Pick the Right Dental Hygienist School near Flowery Branch GA

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. 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 ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Flowery Branch GA.

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