Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Pine Grove PA 17963 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Find the Right Dental Hygienist College near Pine Grove Pennsylvania

Pine Grove PA dental hygienist with patient Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Pine Grove PA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other significant issues to take into account also, such as the program’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

The Role of a Dental Hygienist

Pine Grove PA pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Pine Grove PA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

Removing stains, tartar and plaque
Administering 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 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 Examination as well as any state licensing examinations. After they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Pine Grove PA dental offices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. 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 Colleges

attending dental hygienist school online in Pine Grove PA Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a viable option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Pine Grove PA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right option for you.

Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Pine Grove PA dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pine Grove PA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly 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 establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Pine Grove PA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.

Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you select offers enough 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, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Pine Grove PA dental office that focuses on dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal method to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Pine Grove PA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Pine Grove PA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.

What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as 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 costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Pine Grove PA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Pine Grove PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Pine Grove PA?

Pine Grove, Pennsylvania

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Pick the Right Dental Hygienist College near Pine Grove PA

Choosing the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives available to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. 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 best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Pine Grove PA.