Picking the right dental hygienist college near Pontiac MI is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other important issues to consider also, such as the school’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 two to three years to finish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Role of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Pontiac MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first 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 may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

• Removing stains, tartar and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Instructing patients about oral hygiene
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

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 also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensure examinations. When they have fulfilled these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Pontiac MI dental practices are often required to hold 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well| A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Classes

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Pontiac MI home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pontiac MI, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online options also. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college 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. Pontiac MI employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited programs.

Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the college you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Pontiac MI dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means 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 build professional relationships in the Pontiac MI dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Pontiac MI dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Pontiac MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent 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 private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial 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 schools, don’t forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Pontiac MI area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Pontiac MI 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 making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Pontiac MI?

Choose the Right Dental Hygienist School near Pontiac MI

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount 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 normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided 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 Pontiac MI.

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