{"id":5862,"date":"2018-04-05T19:01:28","date_gmt":"2018-04-05T19:01:28","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2018-04-05T19:01:28","modified_gmt":"2018-04-05T19:01:28","slug":"west-springfield-ma-01089","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oralpreventionedu.info\/dental-hygienist-schools-near-me\/massachusetts\/west-springfield-ma-01089","title":{"rendered":"Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in West Springfield MA 01089"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Find the Right Dental Hygienist Training Program near West Springfield Massachusetts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"WestSelecting the ideal dental hygienist program near West Springfield MA<\/strong> is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider also, for instance the college’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually 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 prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at<\/a> later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Function of a Dental Hygienist<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"WestWhen contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the West Springfield MA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:<\/p>\n