How to Pick a Dental Hygienist College near Hollis Oklahoma
Choosing the right dental hygienist college near Hollis OK is an important first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to take into account also, such as 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. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
The Role of Dental Hygienists
When contrasting the job 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 Hollis OK dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
In order to be licensed in almost all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensure examinations. When they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Hollis OK 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 trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical component to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Hollis OK home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Hollis OK, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School 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 college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Hollis OK employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you enroll in provides 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, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Hollis OK dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to receive 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Hollis OK dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Hollis OK dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to 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, don’t forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Hollis OK area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Hollis OK at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Attending Dental Hygienist School near Hollis OK?
Hollis, Oklahoma
The city was named for George W. Hollis, a local businessman and member of the townsite committee that laid out the town in 1898, while the site was still in old Greer County, Texas.[4] The original plat was lost, and after a lawsuit, the town was re-platted in 1903. The original business district comprised a general store opened by George Hollis and a blacksmith shop owned by Jim Prock. A post office named for Hollis was established October 31, 1901.[4]
Hollis was in Greer County, Oklahoma until 1909, when Governor Haskell divided the old county into Greer County and Harmon County, Hollis fell into Harmon County. An election was held to choose a county seat. Contenders were Hollis, Dryden, Looney and Vinson. Hollis won the election.[4]
Hollis is located at 34°41′11″N 99°55′1″W / 34.68639°N 99.91694°W / 34.68639; -99.91694 (34.686374, -99.916889).[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.4 square miles (3.6 km2), all land.
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 2,264 people, 845 households, and 561 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,589.8 people per square mile (615.6/km²). There were 1,081 housing units at an average density of 759.1/sq mi (293.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 66.65% White, 12.68% African American, 0.84% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 17.67% from other races, and 1.94% from two or more races. 28.18% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Select the Right Dental Hygienist College near Hollis OK
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Hollis OK.
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