Choosing the right dental hygienist college near Clearwater FL is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, for instance 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 finish. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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

The Role of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Clearwater FL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

• Removing stains, tartar and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• 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 in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Clearwater FL dental offices are normally required to have 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 virtually 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 clinical component to the training as well| Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Training

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Clearwater FL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal choice for you.

Issues to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Clearwater FL, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Clearwater FL employers often 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 schools.

Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Clearwater FL dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Clearwater FL dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning 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 practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Clearwater FL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Clearwater FL area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Clearwater FL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical 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 emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Clearwater FL?

Choose the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Clearwater FL

Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose 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 in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Clearwater FL.

More Great Cities in Florida

Business Results 1 - 10 of 198

Chamberlain General and Sedation Dentistry

10 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

555 S Hercules Ave, Ste 403, Clearwater, FL 33764

Ivy Platzer-Weltchek

10 Reviews

Dental Hygienists

Phone:

Tampa, FL 33611

Jeffery Spilman, DDS

10 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry

Phone:

4899 5th Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33713

J Timothy Doerner, DDS, PA

7 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Periodontists

Phone:

2763 State Rd 580, Clearwater, FL 33761

Rebecca Downie, DDS

31 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Orthodontists

Phone:

3109 W Swann Ave, Ste B, Tampa, FL 33609

St. Pete Smiles

10 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

7755 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Jackson Dental, PA

44 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry, Periodontists

Phone:

101 E Kennedy Blvd, Ste 300, Tampa, FL 33602

Northwood Dental

9 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry, Periodontists

Phone:

3023 Eastland Blvd, Bldg H, Ste 112, Clearwater, FL 33761

Ronald C Kobernick DDS

1 Reviews

Orthodontists, Periodontists

Phone:

10601 Seminole Blvd, Largo, FL 33778

Klement Family Dental

45 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

7650 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Clearwater FL 33755 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.