Picking the right dental hygienist college near Lexington NC is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other significant issues to take into account also, for instance 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 finish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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

The Function of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting 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 Lexington NC dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also 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 hygiene
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

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 licensure examinations. 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 Education Options

As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Lexington NC dental offices 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 almost every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well| Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Colleges

Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a good option for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Lexington NC home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. 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 needed to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lexington NC, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options also. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, 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 receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lexington NC employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.

Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lexington NC dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to get 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lexington NC dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Lexington NC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

 What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. 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 analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lexington NC area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Lexington NC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, 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 Lexington NC?

Pick the Best Dental Hygienist Program near Lexington NC

Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lexington NC.

More Great Cities in North Carolina

Business Results 1 - 10 of 27

Paul D Mighion DDS

2 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

198 Hospital St, Mocksville, NC 27028

Tanya G Williams, DMD

1 Reviews

General Dentistry, Orthodontists

Phone:

125 W Kerr St, Salisbury, NC 28144

Clemmons Family Dental

1 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Endodontists

Phone:

6301 Stadium Dr, Clemmons, NC 27012

Matthew Keider, DDS

4 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

3610 Westgate Center Cir, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

DentalWorks High Point

2 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

2640 S Main St, Ste 101, High Point, NC 27263

Patterson Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

3 Reviews

Oral Surgeons, Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

801 Phillips Ave, Ste 101, High Point, NC 27262

University Dental Associates Comp Rehab

7 Reviews

Orthodontists, General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

131 Miller St, Winston Salem, NC 27103

Kid Smiles

1 Reviews

Pediatric Dentists

Phone:

111 Gatewood Ave, High Point, NC 27262

Austin Temple & Katelyn Henderson, DDS

5 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Orthodontists

Phone:

1480 Rymco Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27103

Patrick M Michel, DMD

1 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

3314 Healy Dr, Ste 101, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Lexington NC 27292 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.