Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Holden ME 04429 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Select a Dental Hygienist Program near Holden Maine

Holden ME dental hygienist with patient Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Holden ME is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other crucial factors to consider also, for instance the program’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to 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 offered.

The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

Holden ME pediatric dental hygienist with patient When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Holden ME practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

Removing stains, tartar and plaque
Applying fluoride treatments
Polishing teeth and applying sealants
Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
Taking X-rays and developing film
Removing sutures and applying fillings

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensure exams. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Holden ME dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

attending dental hygienist school online in Holden ME Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Holden ME home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.

Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs

teeth cleaned by Holden ME dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Holden ME, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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. Holden ME employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.

Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Holden ME dental office that focuses on dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain 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 form professional relationships in the Holden ME dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Holden ME dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Holden ME dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.

What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost based 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 besides the tuition there are other significant costs 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Holden ME area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Holden ME at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Holden ME?

Holden, Maine

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.53 square miles (84.25 km2), of which, 31.32 square miles (81.12 km2) of it is land and 1.21 square miles (3.13 km2) is water.[1]

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the town was $51,394, and the median income for a family was $62,208. Males had a median income of $39,427 versus $26,410 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,047. About 4.4% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 3,076 people, 1,298 households, and 920 families residing in the town. The population density was 98.2 inhabitants per square mile (37.9/km2). There were 1,480 housing units at an average density of 47.3 per square mile (18.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.1% White, 0.5% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 1,298 households of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.1% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.79.

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Enroll in the Right Dental Hygienist College near Holden ME

Selecting the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Holden ME.