{"id":12364,"date":"2018-04-05T19:04:28","date_gmt":"2018-04-05T19:04:28","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2018-04-05T19:04:28","modified_gmt":"2018-04-05T19:04:28","slug":"alpena-sd-57312","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oralpreventionedu.info\/dental-hygienist-schools-near-me\/south-dakota\/alpena-sd-57312","title":{"rendered":"Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Alpena SD 57312"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Enroll In a Dental Hygienist Training Program near Alpena South Dakota<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"AlpenaPicking the right dental hygienist program near Alpena SD<\/strong> is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, including the school’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing<\/a> later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

The Function of a Dental Hygienist<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"AlpenaWhen comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Alpena SD practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:<\/p>\n