Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Ardmore PA 19003 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Pick a Dental Hygienist School near Ardmore Pennsylvania

Ardmore PA dental hygienist with patient Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Ardmore PA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other crucial issues to take into account as well, 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 two to three years to finish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

The Duties of Dental Hygienists

Ardmore PA pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Ardmore PA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

Removing stains, tartar and plaque
Applying fluoride treatments
Applying sealants and polishing teeth
Educating patients about oral care
Taking X-rays and developing film
Removing sutures and applying fillings

To qualify for licensing in nearly 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 Exam in addition to passing any state licensing exams. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are considered fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Ardmore PA dental practices 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 finish 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 component to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs

attending dental hygienist school online in Ardmore PA Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Ardmore PA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. 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 get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the best option for you.

Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Ardmore PA dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Ardmore PA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose 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 college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Ardmore PA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Ardmore PA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive 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 build professional relationships in the Ardmore PA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Ardmore PA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Ardmore PA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to 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 comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Ardmore PA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Ardmore PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Ardmore PA?

Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Ardmore is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Delaware and Montgomery counties in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The population was 12,455 at the 2010 census.[1] Ardmore is a suburb on the west side of Philadelphia, within Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County and Haverford Township in Delaware County. Originally named "Athensville" in 1853, the community and its railroad station were renamed "Ardmore" in 1873 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, on whose Main Line, west out of Philadelphia, Ardmore sits at Milepost 8.5.[2]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.0 square miles (5.1 km2), all of it land.[1] Ardmore is adjacent to Wynnewood (east), Haverford (west), Gladwyne (north), and Havertown (southwest). Residents from South East Ardmore and Wynnewood cooperate as the ArdWood Civic Association. The Ardmore Progressive Civic Association serves the historically black section of Ardmore bordered by ArdWood Civic Association, Haverford College, Montgomery Avenue, and the Montgomery/Delaware County line. The North Ardmore Civic Association represents residents of North Ardmore and Wynnewood north of Montgomery Avenue. The South Ardmore Betterment Alliance is a community group in the southern (Haverford Township) portion of Ardmore which organizes various community activities.[3][4]

Ardmore's train station is served by SEPTA Regional Rail's Paoli/Thorndale Line (commuter) and Amtrak (intercity) passenger trains. Residents and visitors enjoy several recreation areas, including South Ardmore Park, which is located in neighboring Wynnewood, though many mistake it for Ardmore. Suburban Square, opened in 1928 as one of the earliest shopping centers in the United States, is located adjacent to the Ardmore train station.[5] Ardmore contains the nation's first suburban branch of a major department store, the former Strawbridge & Clothier which opened there in 1930;[6] the former Suburban movie theater—now Not Your Average Joe's Restaurant; the newly relocated Ardmore Farmer's Market; an Apple Store, and the usual selection of mall shops. Other landmarks within the Ardmore Progressive Civic Association borders include the Ardmore Post Office and Ardmore Public Library (part of the Lower Merion Library System) on South Ardmore Avenue; the Ardmore Ice Skating Club on Greenfield Avenue; a public swimming pool; lighted tennis/basketball courts; the community center known as "The Shack"; and two senior housing projects.[7][8]

As of the 2010 census, the CDP was 76.8% White, 12.9% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 4.1% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 1.2% were Some Other Race, and 2.3% were two or more races. 4.0% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry.[10]

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Choose the Best Dental Hygienist Program near Ardmore PA

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period 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 typically require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Ardmore PA.