Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Redmond WA is an important 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 selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. There are other important issues to take into account as well, such as the college’s accreditation and reputation. 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 complete. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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The Job of Dental Hygienists

When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Redmond WA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often 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 perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Educating patients regarding oral care
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• 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 also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensing exams. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Redmond WA dental offices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 clinical aspect to the training as well| Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Colleges

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a good alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Redmond WA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. 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 obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.

Topics to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Redmond WA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important 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 almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Redmond WA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only important that the college you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Redmond WA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal 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 create professional relationships in the Redmond WA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Redmond WA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Redmond WA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Redmond WA area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Redmond WA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Redmond WA?

Choose the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Redmond WA

Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period 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 obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Redmond WA.

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