Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program near Wahiawa HI is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to consider also, for instance the college’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 finish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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

The Job of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the duties 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 Wahiawa HI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Instructing patients regarding oral care
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

To qualify for licensing in nearly all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensure exams. When they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Wahiawa HI dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 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 clinical component to the training as well| A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a great alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Wahiawa HI home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.

What to Ask Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wahiawa HI, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are reviewing 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 ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition 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 education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Wahiawa HI employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.

Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Wahiawa HI dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to obtain 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 create professional relationships in the Wahiawa HI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Wahiawa HI dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Wahiawa HI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Wahiawa HI area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Wahiawa HI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Wahiawa HI?

Pick the Ideal Dental Hygienist School near Wahiawa HI

Choosing the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Wahiawa HI.

More Great Cities in Hawaii

Business Results 1 - 10 of 219

Palola Dental: Jaclyn Palola DMD

53 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd, Ste 201, Waipahu, HI 96797

William K Lum, DDS

43 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

95-1099 Ainamakua Dr, Mililani Mauka Professional Center, Mililani, HI 96789

Dental Care of Pearlridge

81 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Orthodontists

Phone:

98-1005 Moanalua Rd, Ste 2000, Aiea, HI 96701

The Smiling Place

24 Reviews

General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

94-615 Kupuohi St, Ste 206, Waipahu, HI 96797

Landmark Dental Group

122 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

1888 Kalakaua Ave, Ste C311, Honolulu, HI 96815

Aiea Pearl City Dental Care

119 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

98-1256 Kaahumanu St, Ste 303, Pearl City, HI 96782

Keith M Koga, DDS

26 Reviews

General Dentistry, Endodontists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

98-211 Pali Momi St, Ste 725, Aiea, HI 96701

Kathy K Tomasu, DDS at Aloha Stadium Dental

33 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

4510 Salt Lake Blvd, Ste B3, Honolulu, HI 96818

Ogawa Amy, DMD - Premier Dental Group

10 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

94-801 Farrington Hwy, Ste 202, Waipahu, HI 96797

Hawaii Family Dental

76 Reviews

General Dentistry, Orthodontists, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

95-720 Lanikuhana Ave, Ste 270, Mililani, HI 96789

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Wahiawa HI 96786 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.