Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Owenton KY 40359

Brian — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 19:00:56 +0000

How to Select a Dental Hygienist College near Owenton Kentucky

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist college near Owenton KY is an important first step toward beginning 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 picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to take into account as well, such as the college’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Function of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Owenton KY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

Removing tartar, stains and plaque
Administering fluoride treatments
Polishing teeth and applying sealants
Educating patients about oral hygiene
Taking and developing X-rays
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 also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. When they have fulfilled these requirements they are considered fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Owenton KY dental practices are generally 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and vocational 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Classes

Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a good option for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Owenton KY home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the right option for you.

What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Owenton KY, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Owenton KY employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Owenton KY dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at 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 create professional relationships in the Owenton KY dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Owenton KY dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Owenton KY dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 schools, don’t forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Owenton KY area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Owenton KY at nights 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 practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Owenton KY?

Owenton, Kentucky

Owenton is a home rule-class city[3] in and the county seat of Owen County, Kentucky, United States.[4] The population was 1,327 at the 2000 census. It is located at the junction of U.S. Route 127 and Kentucky Route 22, about halfway between Louisville and Cincinnati.

Owenton was founded in 1822 and named for its county, which was named for Col. Abraham Owen, a pioneer who died at the Battle of Tippecanoe. The town was first incorporated on December 18, 1828, although it had to be reïncorporated in 1849.[1] The Greek Revival courthouse was built between 1857-58. Owenton's growth in the late 19th century was limited because a railroad was never built to it.

Owenton is located at 38°32′12″N 84°50′22″W / 38.53667°N 84.83944°W / 38.53667; -84.83944 (38.536614, -84.839363).[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2), of which 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) (0.89%) is water.

As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 1,387 people, 615 households, and 340 families residing in the city. The population density was 620.4 people per square mile (239.1/km²). There were 688 housing units at an average density of 307.8 per square mile (118.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.39% White, 2.88% African American, 0.58% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.73% of the population.

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Choose the Ideal Dental Hygienist Program near Owenton KY

Choosing the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 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 provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Owenton KY.