Picking the right dental hygienist college near Davidson NC is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to analyze 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 home. There are other important factors to consider as well, including 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 2 to 3 years to complete. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental 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 duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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

The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Davidson NC dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every 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 may include:

• Removing plaque, tartar and stains
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Instructing patients about oral hygiene
• 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 Exam as well as any state licensure examinations. When they have fulfilled 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 working in Davidson NC dental offices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish 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 component to the training as well| Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Training

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a viable alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Davidson NC home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the right choice for you.

Points to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Davidson NC, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, 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 guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Davidson NC employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Davidson NC dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to obtain 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Davidson NC dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classes Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Davidson NC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Davidson NC area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Davidson NC at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Davidson NC?

Pick the Best Dental Hygienist College near Davidson NC

Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Davidson NC.

More Great Cities in North Carolina

Business Results 1 - 10 of 121

Eric Moskowitz, DDS

4 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry, Endodontists

Phone:

9900 Poplar Tent Rd, Ste 150, Concord, NC 28078

Southlake Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

10 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Pediatric Dentists

Phone:

9625 Northcross Center Ct, Ste 301, Huntersville, NC 28078

Reimels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

21 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

13605 Reese Blvd W, Huntersville, NC 28078

Carolina Aesthetic Dentistry/Sanhez & Associates

1 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentists

Phone:

19600 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031

DentalWorks

11 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Oral Surgeons

Phone:

10011 Biddick Ln, Ste 140, Northcross Shopping Center, Huntersville, NC 28078

McNulty & Dancausse

7 Reviews

Pediatric Dentists, Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

3014 Baucom Rd, Ste 200, Charlotte, NC 28269

Stellar Dental

19 Reviews

General Dentistry, Endodontists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

9010 Glenwater Dr, Ste 104, Charlotte, NC 28262

Gregory P Bialek, DDS, PA

3 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

360 Exchange St NW, Ste 101, Concord, NC 28027

Plaza Midwood Dentistry

30 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

1308 The Plaza, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28205

Dentistry of the Carolinas - Kannapolis

4 Reviews

General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

2222 Concord Lake Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28083

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Davidson NC 28036 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.