Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Cape Elizabeth ME is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider as well, such as the school’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. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Role of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Cape Elizabeth ME dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

• Removing plaque, tartar and stains
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Teaching patients about oral care
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

To qualify for licensing in nearly 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 in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Cape Elizabeth ME dental offices are normally required to hold 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 almost every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical component to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Programs

Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a great option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Cape Elizabeth ME home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.

Topics to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Cape Elizabeth ME, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning 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 guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Cape Elizabeth ME employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.

Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Cape Elizabeth ME dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to obtain hands-on, practical 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Cape Elizabeth ME dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are Classes Small? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Cape Elizabeth ME dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

 What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Cape Elizabeth ME area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Cape Elizabeth ME 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 addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Cape Elizabeth ME?

Enroll in the Right Dental Hygienist School near Cape Elizabeth ME

Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish 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 amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Cape Elizabeth ME.

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