Picking the right dental hygienist college near Everett WA is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the program 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, for instance the college’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental 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 duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Function of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Everett WA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first 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 carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

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

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 must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensure examinations. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can 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 Everett WA dental offices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 clinical aspect to the training as well| Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a great alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Everett WA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.

Issues to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Everett WA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good 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 virtually 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 establish that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Everett WA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the college you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Everett WA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching 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 Everett WA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Everett WA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

 What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Everett WA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Everett WA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Everett WA?

Pick the Best Dental Hygienist College near Everett WA

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend 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 best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Everett WA.

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