Selecting the ideal dental hygienist college near Harrison Township MI is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other important 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 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Duties 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 Harrison Township MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

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

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 must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. After 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

Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Harrison Township MI dental offices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete 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 practical component to the training as well| A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Harrison Township MI home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.

Issues to Ask Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Harrison Township MI, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Harrison Township MI employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Harrison Township MI dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to obtain 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Harrison Township MI 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 programs you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Harrison Township MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.

 What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Harrison Township MI area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Harrison Township MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Harrison Township MI?

Pick the Best Dental Hygienist College near Harrison Township MI

Selecting the right dental hygienist course 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 many alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Harrison Township MI.

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