Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Montgomeryville PA is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to take into account as well, for instance the program’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually 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 longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s explore 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 Duties of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the duties 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 Montgomeryville PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

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

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must have graduated 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 exams. Once 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

As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Montgomeryville PA dental practices are often 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 almost 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| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Colleges

Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a great option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Montgomeryville PA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right choice for you.

Questions to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Montgomeryville PA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly 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 instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Montgomeryville PA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.

Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Montgomeryville PA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the best means 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 build professional relationships in the Montgomeryville PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Montgomeryville PA dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Montgomeryville PA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based 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 private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting 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 schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Montgomeryville PA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Montgomeryville PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Montgomeryville PA?

Select the Ideal Dental Hygienist College near Montgomeryville PA

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to receive your education 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 schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering 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 addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Montgomeryville PA.

More Great Cities in Pennsylvania

Business Results 1 - 10 of 427

P3 Dental of Northeast Philadelphia

5 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

10000 E Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19116

Sonrisa Old City Dental

39 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

309 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Andrew Epstein, DDS

3 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

261 Old York Rd, Ste 334, Jenkintown, PA 19046

Heritage Dental

12 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

595 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA 18936

Bing Javier, DDS

3 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

850 S Valley Forge Rd, Lansdale, PA 19446

Simply Beautiful Smiles of Doylestown

7 Reviews

Oral Surgeons, Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

812 N Easton Rd, Ste 8, Doylestown, PA 18902

Steven Rice, DDS

50 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Periodontists

Phone:

1601 Walnut St, Ste 1310, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Jay Dubin, DMD - Dental Innovations

3 Reviews

Endodontists, Periodontists, General Dentistry

Phone:

601 D Bethlehem Pike, Ste 200, Montgomeryville, PA 18936

Celebrity Smiles

8 Reviews

General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

1811 Bethlehem Pike, Ste B-235, Flourtown, PA 19031

Apex Dental Care

12 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Endodontists

Phone:

1600 Horizon Dr, Ste 119, Chalfont, PA 18914

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Montgomeryville PA 18936 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.