Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Silver Spring MD is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, for instance the college’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Function of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Silver Spring MD dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

• Removing stains, tartar and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Educating patients about oral hygiene
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

In order to be licensed 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 Examination as well as any state licensing exams. When they have fulfilled these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Silver Spring MD dental practices are generally required to hold 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a great option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Silver Spring MD home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. 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 necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.

Topics to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Silver Spring MD, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many 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 virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Silver Spring MD employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Silver Spring MD dental office that focuses on dental care for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive 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 create professional relationships in the Silver Spring MD dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Silver Spring MD dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Silver Spring MD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.

 What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 examining the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Silver Spring MD area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Silver Spring MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Silver Spring MD?

Enroll in the Ideal Dental Hygienist Program near Silver Spring MD

Selecting the right dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to acquire 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, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. 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 appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Silver Spring MD.

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