Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Hattiesburg MS 39401

How to Choose a Dental Hygienist Program near Hattiesburg Mississippi

Hattiesburg MS dental hygienist with patient Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Hattiesburg MS is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. There are other significant factors to take into account also, including 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 complete. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

The Role of a Dental Hygienist

Hattiesburg MS pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Hattiesburg MS dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

Removing plaque, tartar and stains
Administering fluoride treatments
Applying sealants and polishing teeth
Teaching patients about oral care
Taking and developing X-rays
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 must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensure exams. After they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Hattiesburg MS dental offices are generally 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 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 clinical component to the training as well| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Schools

attending dental hygienist school online in Hattiesburg MS Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a viable alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Hattiesburg MS home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.

Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges

teeth cleaned by Hattiesburg MS dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Hattiesburg MS, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Hattiesburg MS employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.

Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only important that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Hattiesburg MS dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Hattiesburg MS dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Hattiesburg MS dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.

What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount 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 along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don’t forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Hattiesburg MS area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Hattiesburg MS at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Hattiesburg MS?

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hattiesburg is a city in the U.S. state of Mississippi, primarily in Forrest County (where it is the county seat)[2] and extending west into Lamar County. The city population was 45,989 at the 2010 census,[3] with an estimated population of 46,805 in 2015.[4] It is the principal city of the Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties.

Development of the interior of Mississippi by European Americans took place primarily after the American Civil War. Before that time, only properties along the major rivers were developed as plantations. Founded in 1882 by civil engineer William H. Hardy, Hattiesburg was named in honor of Hardy's wife Hattie. The town was incorporated two years later with a population of 400. Hattiesburg's population first expanded as a center of the lumber and railroad industries, from which was derived the nickname "The Hub City". It now attracts newcomers because of the diversity of its economy, strong neighborhoods, and the central location in South Mississippi.

Hattiesburg is home to The University of Southern Mississippi (founded as Mississippi Normal College, for the training of teachers) and William Carey University (formerly William Carey College). South of Hattiesburg is Camp Shelby, the largest US National Guard training base east of the Mississippi River.

This area was historically occupied by the Choctaw Native Americans, who had been in the region for hundreds of years. Their indigenous ancestors had communities for thousands of years before that. During European colonization, this area was first claimed by the French. Between 1763 and 1783 the area that is currently Hattiesburg fell under the jurisdiction of the colony of British West Florida.[6] After the United States gained its independence, Great Britain ceded this and other areas to it after 1783. The United States gained a cession of lands from the Choctaw and Chickasaw under the terms of the Treaty of Mount Dexter in 1805. After the treaty was ratified, European-American settlers began to move into the area.

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Enroll in the Right Dental Hygienist College near Hattiesburg MS

Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter 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 presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Hattiesburg MS.