How to Select a Dental Hygienist Training Program near Harbor Springs Michigan

Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Harbor Springs MI is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other important factors to consider as well, such as the school’s reputation and accreditation. 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 finish. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Function of Dental Hygienists

When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Harbor Springs MI dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

• Removing plaque, tartar and stains
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Instructing patients regarding 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 also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam as well as any state licensing examinations. After they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Harbor Springs MI dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three 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 practical component to the training as well| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Training

Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Harbor Springs MI home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Harbor Springs MI, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs 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 best dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 establish that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Harbor Springs MI employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Harbor Springs MI dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way to obtain 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 look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Harbor Springs MI dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Harbor Springs MI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.

 What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs 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 comparing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Harbor Springs MI area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Harbor Springs MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Harbor Springs MI?

Choose the Right Dental Hygienist School near Harbor Springs MI

Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is essential 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 a number of options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Harbor Springs MI.

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