Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Lakewood OH is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other important factors to take into account also, 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 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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The Duties 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 independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Lakewood OH practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

• Removing stains, tartar and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Educating patients regarding oral care
• Taking and developing X-rays
• 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 as well as any state licensing exams. After 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 Education Options

As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Lakewood OH dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 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| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good option for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Lakewood OH home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lakewood OH, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lakewood OH employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lakewood OH dental office that focuses on dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means 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 form professional relationships in the Lakewood OH dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lakewood OH dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Lakewood OH dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks 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. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lakewood OH area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Lakewood OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have 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 because of illness, work or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Lakewood OH?

Pick the Right Dental Hygienist School near Lakewood OH

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lakewood OH.

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