Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Scarborough ME is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. There are other important issues to consider as well, such as the college’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 finish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at 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 Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Scarborough ME dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

• Removing plaque, tartar and stains
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

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. When they have completed 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

As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Scarborough ME dental offices are often 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 virtually 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 practical component to the training as well| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Classes

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a great option for receiving your education. Just remember 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 provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Scarborough ME home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area 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 mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Scarborough ME, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Scarborough ME employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the program you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Scarborough ME dental office that focuses on dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Scarborough ME dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Scarborough ME dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classes Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Scarborough ME dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Scarborough ME area.

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

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Scarborough ME?

Select the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Scarborough ME

Selecting the right dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Scarborough ME.

More Great Cities in Maine

Business Results 1 - 10 of 21

Dunstan Dental Center

5 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

618 US Rt 1, Scarborough, ME 04074

Peak Dental Health

12 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

74 Gray Rd, Ste 3, Falmouth, ME 04105

Inspire Dental of Maine

8 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, Pediatric Dentists, Endodontists

Phone:

1355 Congress St, Ste B, Portland, ME 04102

A perfect Smile

8 Reviews

Dentists

Phone:

168 US Route One, Falmouth, ME 04105

Progressive Dental Care

3 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

160 Western Ave, Ste 2, South Portland, ME 04106

Restorative & Aesthetic Dental Associates PA

2 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

650 Brighton Ave, Ste 1, Portland, ME 04102

Gannett Drive Dental

2 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Endodontists

Phone:

324 Gannett Dr, Ste 500, South Portland, ME 04106

Gentle Dental

3 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, Oral Surgeons, Orthodontists

Phone:

473 Alfred St, Biddeford, ME 04005

Sweet Dental

3 Reviews

General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentists, Periodontists

Phone:

306 US Rt 1, Bldg B N, Scarborough, ME 04074

Morgan Hill Dental Care

4 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Orthodontists

Phone:

94 Main St, Gorham, ME 04038

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Scarborough ME 04070 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.