Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Pilot Mountain NC is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to take into account also, including 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 two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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

The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Pilot Mountain NC practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

• Removing stains, tartar and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Educating patients about oral care
• 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 as well as any state licensure exams. When they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Pilot Mountain NC dental practices are usually required to hold 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 vocational 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 Schools

Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Pilot Mountain NC home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the right option for you.

What to Ask Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pilot Mountain NC, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order 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. Pilot Mountain NC employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the college you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Pilot Mountain NC dental office that focuses on dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Pilot Mountain NC dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools 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 Pilot Mountain NC dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Small? Ask the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Pilot Mountain NC dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Pilot Mountain NC area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Pilot Mountain NC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Pilot Mountain NC?

Pick the Right Dental Hygienist School near Pilot Mountain NC

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Pilot Mountain NC.

More Great Cities in North Carolina

Business Results 1 - 10 of 16

John L Gravitte, DDS

3 Reviews

Pediatric Dentists, General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

140 N Pointe Blvd, Mount Airy, NC 27030

Matthew Keider, DDS

4 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

3610 Westgate Center Cir, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Southern Dental Associates

3 Reviews

Pediatric Dentists, General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

6570 Shallowford Rd, Lewisville, NC 27023

University Dental Associates Comp Rehab

7 Reviews

Orthodontists, General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

131 Miller St, Winston Salem, NC 27103

Clemmons Family Dental

1 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Endodontists

Phone:

6301 Stadium Dr, Clemmons, NC 27012

Patrick M Michel, DMD

1 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

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

Austin Temple & Katelyn Henderson, DDS

5 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Orthodontists

Phone:

1480 Rymco Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27103

University Dental Associates Hawthorne

2 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Prosthodontists

Phone:

1615 S Hawthorne Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27103

Chermak & Hanson Orthodontics

1 Reviews

Orthodontists, Dental Hygienists

Phone:

1564 N Peace Haven Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27104

Ballinger Family Dental

2 Reviews

Dentists

Phone:

705 Coliseum Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27106

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Pilot Mountain NC 27041 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.