Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program near Southaven MS is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. There are other important factors to take into account as well, such as the program’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists usually 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 lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing 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 Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the role 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 Southaven MS dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may 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
• Teaching patients regarding oral care
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

To qualify for licensing in almost all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam in addition to passing any state licensing examinations. Once they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Southaven MS dental offices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete 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 Colleges

Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a great alternative for getting 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 balance of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Southaven MS home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the ideal choice for you.

Issues to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Southaven MS, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Southaven MS employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you choose offers enough 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 enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Southaven MS dental office that focuses on dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way to get 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 create professional relationships in the Southaven MS dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Southaven MS dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Southaven MS dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Southaven MS area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Southaven MS at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Southaven MS?

Pick the Best Dental Hygienist Program near Southaven MS

Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Southaven MS.

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