Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Clinton ME 04927 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Pick a Dental Hygienist Training Program near Clinton Maine

Clinton ME dental hygienist with patient Choosing the right dental hygienist college near Clinton ME is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant issues to take into account also, 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 two to three years to complete. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

The Role of Dental Hygienists

Clinton ME pediatric dental hygienist with patient When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Clinton ME dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

Removing tartar, stains and plaque
Applying fluoride treatments
Applying sealants and polishing teeth
Instructing 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 have graduated 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 licensure exams. When they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Clinton ME dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Schools

attending dental hygienist school online in Clinton ME Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a good alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Clinton ME home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be completed at a community 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 discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.

Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Clinton ME dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Clinton ME, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing 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 final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Clinton ME employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.

Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Clinton ME dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Clinton ME dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Clinton ME dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.

What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Clinton ME area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Clinton ME in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Clinton ME?

Clinton, Maine

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 44.79 square miles (116.01 km2), of which 43.87 square miles (113.62 km2) is land and 0.92 square miles (2.38 km2) is water.[1]

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 3,486 people, 1,412 households, and 962 families residing in the town. The population density was 79.5 inhabitants per square mile (30.7/km2). There were 1,547 housing units at an average density of 35.3 per square mile (13.6/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.1% White, 0.4% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population.

There were 1,412 households of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.9% were non-families. 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the town was 40.5 years. 22.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.1% were from 25 to 44; 31.1% were from 45 to 64; and 12.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.1% male and 48.9% female.

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Pick the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Clinton ME

Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Clinton ME.