How to Find the Right Dental Hygienist School near Smithfield Maine
Choosing the right dental hygienist college near Smithfield ME is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other important factors to take into account also, for instance the school’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 2 to 3 years to finish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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The Job of a Dental Hygienist
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 Smithfield ME dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial 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 may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
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 in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Smithfield ME dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 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 practical component to the training as well| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a great alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Smithfield ME home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary 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 online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Smithfield ME, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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 training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Smithfield ME employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you select provides adequate 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, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Smithfield ME dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to receive hands-on, practical 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 build professional relationships in the Smithfield ME dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Check if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Smithfield ME dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Smithfield ME dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Smithfield ME area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Smithfield ME at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Attending Dental Hygienist School near Smithfield ME?
Smithfield, Maine
Smithfield is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,033 at the 2010 census. The town was incorporated on February 29, 1840 making it the only town in Maine incorporated on Leap Day.[4] The town was named after the Rev. Henry Smith, an early settler.[5]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 24.76 square miles (64.13 km2), of which, 19.90 square miles (51.54 km2) of it is land and 4.86 square miles (12.59 km2) is water.[1]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,033 people, 451 households, and 314 families residing in the town. The population density was 51.9 inhabitants per square mile (20.0/km2). There were 727 housing units at an average density of 36.5 per square mile (14.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.6% White, 0.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.
There were 451 households of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.4% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.62.
Select the Ideal Dental Hygienist School near Smithfield ME
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Smithfield ME.
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