Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Slatington PA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider 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 finish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Function of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the role 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 in support of the Slatington PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. 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 tartar, stains and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

To qualify for licensing in almost all states, dental hygienists must have graduated 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 licensing exams. Once they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Slatington PA dental practices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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| A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs

Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for getting your training. 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 accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Slatington PA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal option for you.

Issues to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Slatington PA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order 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 training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Slatington PA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.

Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you enroll in 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 choose offers clinical rotation in a local Slatington PA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Slatington PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Slatington PA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Slatington PA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 analyzing the cost of schools, don’t forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Slatington PA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Slatington PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Slatington PA?

Choose the Ideal Dental Hygienist School near Slatington PA

Choosing the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two 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 in a better position to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Slatington PA.

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