Picking the right dental hygienist college near Summersville WV is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other significant factors to take into account also, including the college’s reputation and accreditation. 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 complete. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing 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 a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Summersville WV dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

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

In order to be licensed in almost all states, dental hygienists must have graduated 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 licensure exams. When they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Summersville WV dental practices are usually required to hold 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 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 aspect to the training as well| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Schools

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Summersville WV home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Summersville WV, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Summersville WV employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited programs.

Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Summersville WV dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive 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 form professional relationships in the Summersville WV dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Summersville WV dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Summersville WV dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Summersville WV area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Summersville WV at nights or on weekends. And even if you select 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 have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Summersville WV?

Choose the Best Dental Hygienist Program near Summersville WV

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Summersville WV.

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