Choosing the right dental hygienist college near Lakewood WA is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, including the program’s accreditation and reputation. 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 finish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Job of Dental Hygienists

When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Lakewood WA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. 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 responsibilities can include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• 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 must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensure exams. After they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Lakewood WA dental offices are often 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 nearly 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 component to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Colleges

Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Lakewood WA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the best option for you.

Topics to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lakewood WA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lakewood WA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Lakewood WA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive hands-on, practical 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 form professional relationships in the Lakewood WA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at 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 Lakewood WA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Lakewood WA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.

 What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether 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 costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don’t forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lakewood WA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Lakewood WA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Lakewood WA?

Pick the Best Dental Hygienist Program near Lakewood WA

Selecting the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period 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 schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lakewood WA.

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