{"id":15194,"date":"2018-10-18T19:09:47","date_gmt":"2018-10-18T14:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oralpreventionedu.info\/dental-hygienist-schools-near-me\/alabama\/columbia-al-36319"},"modified":"2018-10-18T19:09:47","modified_gmt":"2018-10-18T14:09:47","slug":"columbia-al-36319","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oralpreventionedu.info\/dental-hygienist-schools-near-me\/alabama\/columbia-al-36319","title":{"rendered":"Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Columbia AL 36319"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Choose a Dental Hygienist Program near Columbia Alabama<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"ColumbiaSelecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Columbia AL<\/strong> is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, including 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 2 to 3 years to finish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing<\/a> later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Role of Dental Hygienists<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"ColumbiaWhen contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Columbia AL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:<\/p>\n