Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Howell MI is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other important issues to consider as well, such as the program’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically 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 prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Job of Dental Hygienists

When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Howell MI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their findings 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
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Educating 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 also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensure examinations. When 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 added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Howell MI dental practices are normally required to have 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 practical aspect to the training as well| A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable option for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Howell MI home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Howell MI, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. 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 some online alternatives also. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school 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 intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Howell MI employers often desire 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 provided for non-accredited programs.

Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you select 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, confirm that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Howell MI dental office that focuses on dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to obtain 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 develop professional relationships in the Howell MI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Howell MI dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Howell MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether 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 costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don’t forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Howell MI area.

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

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Howell MI?

Enroll in the Best Dental Hygienist College near Howell MI

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative 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 options available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Howell MI.

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