Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Onaway MI is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other important issues to consider also, including 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 complete. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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The Function of Dental Hygienists

When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Onaway MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Instructing patients about oral care
• Taking and developing X-rays
• 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 also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensing exams. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Onaway MI dental offices 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 nearly 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 practical component to the training as well| Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Training

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Onaway MI home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right option for you.

What to Ask Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Onaway MI, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Onaway MI employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.

Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Onaway MI dental office that focuses on dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain 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 establish professional relationships in the Onaway MI dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Onaway MI dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Onaway MI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public 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 commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don’t forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Onaway MI area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Onaway MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Onaway MI?

Select the Best Dental Hygienist College near Onaway MI

Choosing the right dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining 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 provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Onaway MI.

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