Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Augusta WI 54722

Brian — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 19:05:35 +0000

How to Pick a Dental Hygienist Training Program near Augusta Wisconsin

Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Augusta WI is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other important factors to take into account as well, such as 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 two to three years to accomplish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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The Duties of Dental Hygienists

When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Augusta WI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

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

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 in addition to passing any state licensing exams. When they have completed 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 increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Augusta WI dental practices are often 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 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 practical component to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a good alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Augusta WI home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Augusta WI, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options also. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Augusta WI employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Augusta WI dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Augusta WI dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Augusta WI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides 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 schools, don’t forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Augusta WI area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Augusta WI 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 making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Augusta WI?

Augusta, Wisconsin

As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 1,550 people, 614 households, and 384 families residing in the city. The population density was 707.8 inhabitants per square mile (273.3/km2). There were 662 housing units at an average density of 302.3 per square mile (116.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.7% White, 0.3% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 614 households of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.5% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the city was 39.9 years. 25.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24% were from 25 to 44; 24% were from 45 to 64; and 20% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 1,460 people, 599 households, and 376 families residing in the city. The population density was 721.5 people per square mile (279.1/km²). There were 632 housing units at an average density of 312.3 per square mile (120.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.58% White, 0.41% African American, 2.05% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.

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Enroll in the Best Dental Hygienist College near Augusta WI

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial 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 a number of options offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally 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 go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Augusta WI.