Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Kittery ME is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, for instance the college’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 complete. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Kittery ME 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 encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

To qualify for licensing in almost 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 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, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Kittery ME dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 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 aspect to the training as well| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a good option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Kittery ME home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Kittery ME, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to reach 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 right dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Kittery ME employers typically desire 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 provided for non-accredited schools.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Kittery ME dental office that focuses on dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to get 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 build professional relationships in the Kittery ME dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Kittery ME dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Kittery ME dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.

 What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don’t forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Kittery ME area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Kittery ME at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Kittery ME?

Enroll in the Ideal Dental Hygienist Program near Kittery ME

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly 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 programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Kittery ME.

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