Kentucky Archives - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Select a Dental Hygienist Program near West Point Kentucky

West Point KY dental hygienist with patient Picking the right dental hygienist program near West Point KY is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other crucial 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 2 to 3 years to finish. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

The Job of a Dental Hygienist

West Point KY pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the West Point KY practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

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

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 licensure examinations. Once they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in West Point KY dental practices are normally required to hold 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 virtually 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 aspect to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Classes

attending dental hygienist school online in West Point KY Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a good alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your West Point KY home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges

teeth cleaned by West Point KY dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in West Point KY, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important 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 almost 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 establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. West Point KY employers frequently prefer 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 available for non-accredited colleges.

Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local West Point KY dental office that specializes in dental care for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to get 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 West Point KY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the West Point KY dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the West Point KY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don’t forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the West Point KY area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near West Point KY 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 addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near West Point KY?

West Point, Kentucky

West Point is a home rule-class city in Hardin County, Kentucky, United States, near the edge of Fort Knox military reservation on Dixie Highway. It is located in a former meander bend of the Ohio River. The population was 797 at the 2010 census,[2] down from 1,100 at the 2000 census.

West Point was founded by pioneer James Young, who built a cabin at the site in 1789 and, in 1797, built a brick house and inn that is still standing today. In 1803, Lewis and Clark passed nearby and recruited West Point citizen John Shields to join their Corps of Discovery.

West Point sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Salt rivers, a strategic position that led Union forces to construct a fort here during the Civil War to protect their supply routes. Fort Duffield is the state's largest and best-preserved earthen fortification from the period.

One of the newest preservation projects in West Point is the rehabilitation of the West Point Independent Colored School (1926), one of the "Rosenwald Schools" built by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald to educate African-Americans in rural areas. Plans call for using the one-room school as a visitor, educational, and research facility.

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Find the Best Dental Hygienist School near West Point KY

Choosing the right dental hygienist program is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in West Point KY.