Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Hamptonville NC 27020

Brian — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 19:03:15 +0000

How to Choose a Dental Hygienist School near Hamptonville North Carolina

Picking the right dental hygienist program near Hamptonville NC is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, for instance the school’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 two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Job of Dental Hygienists

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 Hamptonville NC practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

Removing tartar, stains and plaque
Applying fluoride treatments
Polishing teeth and applying sealants
Educating patients regarding oral care
Taking and developing X-rays
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 licensing exams. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are considered fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Hamptonville NC dental practices are generally 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 aspect to the training as well| A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Colleges

Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a good option for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Hamptonville NC home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Hamptonville NC, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Even though these are significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly 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 of the highest quality and comprehensive. Hamptonville NC employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.

Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you choose provides 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, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Hamptonville NC dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method 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 build professional relationships in the Hamptonville NC dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Hamptonville NC dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Hamptonville NC dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.

What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 examining the cost of schools, don’t forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Hamptonville NC area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Hamptonville NC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Hamptonville NC?

Hamptonville, North Carolina

Hamptonville is an unincorporated community located in southwestern Yadkin County, North Carolina, United States. Hamptonville is named for Henry Hampton (1750–1832), a colonel in the Revolutionary Army.[1] Hampton set aside land for a town in 1806.

As of the United States 2000 Census, the Census-designated place (CDP) of Hamptonville (ZIP code 27020) had a population of 5,901. It is a Piedmont Triad community. The community is primarily rural and agricultural with many residences scattered across the area. Denser residential and business development is centered on Brooks Crossroads, which is generally the hub of the town as it is just north of US 421 at US 21 and Old Hwy 421 and is the primary route for commuters to work in and out of town and to the elementary school.

Hamptonville's Zip Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) has a population of about 5,901 as of the 2000 census. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female. About 94% of the population is white, .6% African-American, 0.1% American Indian, 0.2% Asian, 9.4% Hispanic, and 4.48% of another races. 0.8% of people are two or more races. There are no native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders.

Interstate 77 and U.S. Route 421 intersect in the community. The four-lane highways provide easy access to Charlotte to the south and Winston-Salem to the east. U.S. Route 21 also runs through Hamptonville.

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Find the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Hamptonville NC

Selecting the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Hamptonville NC.