{"id":12804,"date":"2018-04-05T19:04:42","date_gmt":"2018-04-05T19:04:42","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2018-04-05T19:04:42","modified_gmt":"2018-04-05T19:04:42","slug":"summertown-tn-38483","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oralpreventionedu.info\/dental-hygienist-schools-near-me\/tennessee\/summertown-tn-38483","title":{"rendered":"Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Summertown TN 38483"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Choose a Dental Hygienist Program near Summertown Tennessee<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"SummertownChoosing the right dental hygienist program near Summertown TN<\/strong> is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other important issues to consider 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 2 to 3 years to complete. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing<\/a> later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Duties of Dental Hygienists<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"SummertownWhen comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Summertown TN practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:<\/p>\n