Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Pulaski TN is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home. There are other important issues to take into account as well, such as the program’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 longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at 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 Role of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Pulaski TN dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Educating patients regarding oral care
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

In order to be licensed 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 as well as any state licensing exams. After they have completed 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 additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Pulaski TN dental practices are normally 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 nearly 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 offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Colleges

Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a great option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Pulaski TN home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pulaski TN, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Pulaski TN employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the program you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an 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 Pulaski TN dental office that specializes in dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to get hands-on, clinical 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Pulaski TN dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Pulaski TN dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.

 What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Pulaski TN area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Pulaski TN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Pulaski TN?

Find the Ideal Dental Hygienist School near Pulaski TN

Picking the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount 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 obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Pulaski TN.

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