Selecting the ideal dental hygienist college near Odenton MD is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the program’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 2 to 3 years to complete. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

[campusexplorer header_text=”Find Dental Hygienist Schools Near You!” aos=”75346615″ concentration=”2D77CE61″ tracking=”DENTHYG”]

The Job of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Odenton MD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Educating patients about oral care
• 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 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 Training Options

As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Odenton MD dental practices are generally 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 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| Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Schools

Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a viable option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Odenton MD home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Odenton MD, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Odenton MD employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.

Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Odenton MD dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Odenton MD dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Odenton MD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

 What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical 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 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 examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Odenton MD area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Odenton MD 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 protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Odenton MD?

Pick the Best Dental Hygienist College near Odenton MD

Choosing the right dental hygienist course 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 many options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Odenton MD.

More Great Cities in Maryland

Business Results 1 - 10 of 470

Columbia Prime Dental

15 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Endodontists

Phone:

6801 Douglas Legum Dr, Ste C, Elkridge, MD 21075

Pearl Smiles Dental

28 Reviews

General Dentistry, Endodontists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

6020 Meadowridge Ctr Dr, Ste A, Elkridge, MD 21075

EJM Dental Studio

32 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

10840 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Ste 401, Columbia, MD 21044

Chesapeake Smiles Dental Office

30 Reviews

General Dentistry, Endodontists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

2288 Blue Water Blvd, Ste 420, Odenton, MD 21113

Greenway Dental Group

17 Reviews

Orthodontists, Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

7525 Greenway Center Dr, Ste 102, Greenbelt, MD 20770

Horizon Family Dental Care

21 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

7556 Teague Rd, Ste 104, Hanover, MD 21076

Patrick L Bryant, DDS, PA

13 Reviews

General Dentistry, Orthodontists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

3427 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20724

Fells Point Dental

36 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

1820 Lancaster St, Ste 100, Baltimore, MD 21231

Canton Dental Associates

45 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

2700 Lighthouse Point E, Ste 210, Baltimore, MD 21224

Superior Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

18 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry, Endodontists

Phone:

3327 Superior Ln, Ste 101, Bowie, MD 20715

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Odenton MD 21113 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.