It was only just recently that online dental hygienist training programs were introduced, hot on the heels of other online medical degrees. Online degrees in hygienist training are now offered in several colleges and universities, and this makes it easier for students to obtain degrees remotely. Online learning is popular among students who have problems with mobility or finding the time to commute to school every day.
There's a wide variety of online hygienist programs and courses. Students can pick the course they wish to take through the school's website. However, some online courses require students to come to the college two times prior to the end of the course period. Usually, students must take their midterms and finals on campus. All colleges don't have a hygienist program that's 100% online. The majority offer 76% to 99% of the program online. The online program you choose depends on what your needs are.
Students must have an Internet-enabled computer in order to have access to the online dental hygienist training courses. Students need to also be knowledgeable in scanning course materials, printing handouts, and doing other tasks on the computer. Also, they should have an internet connection with all the necessary software loaded to be able to download guides and course materials.
The online degrees that are offered through dental hygienist training present a number of advantages over the traditional college degrees. For example, those who choose to enroll in an online training program can significantly reduce their expenses. They don't have to spend money on transportation and other expenses related to commuting to school. And since students don't need to spend hours every day commuting to school, they can better focus on their studies. Teachers and students also tend to interact more online compared to regular classes. Besides, students studying online tend to be more responsible and pay a lot more attention to the lessons. They can constantly be in touch with their classmates and share resources and course materials quickly and easily online.
Like any other mode of instruction, online degrees offered in dental hygienist training have their perils as well. Online degrees may not be suitable for you if you tend to rely on being in a class environment in order to stay motivated to study. One really needs to have a strong will and determination to finish their coursework online, as it is very easy to get distracted and lose interest when one is learning on their own. It has been reported that absenteeism and attrition are high in online courses when compared to the regular college education. The one thing the student misses out in online courses is the clinical practice and the lab work associated with it. It is this lab experience that helps the individual in performing his role well as an oral hygienist in the real world.
Based on surveys, except for the tactile experience provided by lab work, online courses and on-site courses don't have any major differences. Both types of dental hygienist training are essentially the same; students of both are likely to have the same job opportunities when they graduate.
As part of any college's dental hygienist training offering, the online degrees must be accredited by CODA or the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This way, oral hygienists who have online degrees will be considered for employment later on.
Showing posts with label dental hygienist training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dental hygienist training. Show all posts
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Courses Related To Dental Hygienist Training
Dental hygienist training is a must for people who are interested in a career in the oral hygiene field. There is a high demand for oral hygienists today. In fact, it's one of the sought after medical-related professions, next only to surgeons and doctors. Experts are predicting that oral hygienists are going to take dentistry to new heights. Medical trends are showing that oral hygienists are among the fast-rising professions in such a short time.
There are a number of courses available to people who wish to explore the options related to dental hygienist training. These courses can be classified as: degree courses, associate courses and non-degree courses. The syllabus, curriculum, fees included and duration period of these courses greatly vary from one another. All these courses have been designed with the common goal of educating the student about the nuances of preventive oral health care in general.
Students can go for either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in dental hygienist training. Those who go for a bachelor's degree in oral hygiene receive training that will prepare them for opportunities to teach in dental institutes and colleges, as well as work in the military, state prisons, state health departments, and public health care sector. A bachelor's degree in oral hygiene takes 4 years to complete, but there are colleges that allow students to graduate in 32 months. The most important thing one should remember before joining any bachelor's course is that the college or university offering the course should have the accreditation of CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation). Employers consider only applicants whose degrees come from accredited institutes. In addition, graduates from accredited institutes are the only ones permitted to practice their profession in any state.
A number of schools offer bachelor's degree courses in oral hygiene online. This makes it so much easier for people to work towards their degrees. Students who complete their degrees successfully are known to have a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. It's a full-time degree program, with the course curriculum consisting of general education, lecture, and clinical lab work. Graduates of this degree program will never be lacking in terms of job opportunities. A master's degree is an option for those who have a bachelor's degree, have adequate dental hygienist training, and are interested in further studies.
Colleges have special simulation labs in order to help students acquire the necessary skills needed to carry out a hygienist's job competently. These labs have artificial patients, which the students are being trained on to perform special procedures and operations. Students tend to learn much more quickly in these labs since they are actually doing what they are supposed to be learning instead of just being inside a classroom listening to lectures. This type of dental hygienist training lasts for several months in labs and, in the end, students are finally tested for their proficiency. Once they clear these exams, the students will be selected to work in an on-site clinic for gaining first-hand experience of their patients.
There are also non-degree courses available as a part of dental hygienist training. These courses include certification courses in radiology and dental assisting. Only students with scientific backgrounds are eligible for these courses. Students who successfully complete all of the master's level courses are awarded a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene. Students choose between writing a thesis or conducting a graduate research project. Associate degrees in oral hygiene take two years to complete. They have students conducting some project work too. The downside is that the job prospects for individuals with associate degrees are limited in comparison to the job prospects for individuals who hold a bachelor's or master's degree.
There are a number of courses available to people who wish to explore the options related to dental hygienist training. These courses can be classified as: degree courses, associate courses and non-degree courses. The syllabus, curriculum, fees included and duration period of these courses greatly vary from one another. All these courses have been designed with the common goal of educating the student about the nuances of preventive oral health care in general.
Students can go for either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in dental hygienist training. Those who go for a bachelor's degree in oral hygiene receive training that will prepare them for opportunities to teach in dental institutes and colleges, as well as work in the military, state prisons, state health departments, and public health care sector. A bachelor's degree in oral hygiene takes 4 years to complete, but there are colleges that allow students to graduate in 32 months. The most important thing one should remember before joining any bachelor's course is that the college or university offering the course should have the accreditation of CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation). Employers consider only applicants whose degrees come from accredited institutes. In addition, graduates from accredited institutes are the only ones permitted to practice their profession in any state.
A number of schools offer bachelor's degree courses in oral hygiene online. This makes it so much easier for people to work towards their degrees. Students who complete their degrees successfully are known to have a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. It's a full-time degree program, with the course curriculum consisting of general education, lecture, and clinical lab work. Graduates of this degree program will never be lacking in terms of job opportunities. A master's degree is an option for those who have a bachelor's degree, have adequate dental hygienist training, and are interested in further studies.
Colleges have special simulation labs in order to help students acquire the necessary skills needed to carry out a hygienist's job competently. These labs have artificial patients, which the students are being trained on to perform special procedures and operations. Students tend to learn much more quickly in these labs since they are actually doing what they are supposed to be learning instead of just being inside a classroom listening to lectures. This type of dental hygienist training lasts for several months in labs and, in the end, students are finally tested for their proficiency. Once they clear these exams, the students will be selected to work in an on-site clinic for gaining first-hand experience of their patients.
There are also non-degree courses available as a part of dental hygienist training. These courses include certification courses in radiology and dental assisting. Only students with scientific backgrounds are eligible for these courses. Students who successfully complete all of the master's level courses are awarded a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene. Students choose between writing a thesis or conducting a graduate research project. Associate degrees in oral hygiene take two years to complete. They have students conducting some project work too. The downside is that the job prospects for individuals with associate degrees are limited in comparison to the job prospects for individuals who hold a bachelor's or master's degree.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
A-Z Of Dental Hygienist Training
Dental hygienist training coupled with prerequisite qualifications qualify an individual to work in the capacity of an oral hygienist in any state throughout the U.S. In order to become an oral hygienist, a person needs to go through several steps in the education and training process. These steps span over a number of years. Once he completes these steps successfully, he can call himself an oral hygienist.
Primarily, one should have a high school degree and should have passed a college entrance test to be able to join a program in oral hygiene. Those who wish to train as an oral hygienist also have a strong background in subjects such as math, chemistry, and science. The entrance requirements in colleges vary so it's a good idea to check with the college for specific prerequisites. Some colleges have made it mandatory that those who want to enroll for their dental hygiene programs should have had college experience of one year previously. Unless these prerequisites are met, one cannot enroll themselves to any dental hygienist training programs.
A certificate degree or an associate degree obtained from a technical college or university is the minimum degree a person will have after completing a dental hygienist training program. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has approved about 300 oral hygiene programs to date. These programs are offered by various colleges and universities across the country. Students enrolled in a dental hygienist training program take courses on social and behavioral sciences, radiography, periodontology, pharmacology, microbiology, histology, dental anatomy, and chemistry.
A hygienist should obtain a license in the state he or she is planning to practice in. A person needs to pass the test conducted by the American Dental Associate in order to obtain this license. Clinical examinations are usually handled by the concerned states or the local testing agencies. Besides, the students might also have to give a special exam regarding the legal aspects of hygienist training. Oral hygienists have a code of ethics to follow. Such exams ensures that oral hygienists are familiar with this and pass the test before they can legally practice their profession. There are states where students are allowed to train through on-the-job programs they regulate. These programs are part of the dental hygienist training program being offered.
An oral hygienist should be fit physically as well, as he might have to deal with heavy equipment or stand or bend for long hours as a part of their job. People working in this profession are susceptible to neck and shoulder injuries. Thus, they need to take precautions to minimize these injuries. Apart from basic dental hygienist training, people should also acquire the necessary social skills that are required to interact with the patient. Hygienists will often have to deal with patients who are scared or nervous. In these instances, they need to have great people skills. Also, he or she should be of friendly nature and professionally competent to work in co-ordination with the other hygienists and dentists.
Upon successful completion of the dental hygienist training program, the individual can work in a dentist's office assisting them in dental work or start their own private practice. Those who aspire to become an oral hygienist need to realize that the path to becoming one is fraught with hurdles that need to be overcome. One needs to be ready for the years of toiling before he can establish himself and start earning rewards. The years of hard work is worth it, however; it's because hygienists are among the higher paid professionals in the medical and dental fields.
Primarily, one should have a high school degree and should have passed a college entrance test to be able to join a program in oral hygiene. Those who wish to train as an oral hygienist also have a strong background in subjects such as math, chemistry, and science. The entrance requirements in colleges vary so it's a good idea to check with the college for specific prerequisites. Some colleges have made it mandatory that those who want to enroll for their dental hygiene programs should have had college experience of one year previously. Unless these prerequisites are met, one cannot enroll themselves to any dental hygienist training programs.
A certificate degree or an associate degree obtained from a technical college or university is the minimum degree a person will have after completing a dental hygienist training program. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has approved about 300 oral hygiene programs to date. These programs are offered by various colleges and universities across the country. Students enrolled in a dental hygienist training program take courses on social and behavioral sciences, radiography, periodontology, pharmacology, microbiology, histology, dental anatomy, and chemistry.
A hygienist should obtain a license in the state he or she is planning to practice in. A person needs to pass the test conducted by the American Dental Associate in order to obtain this license. Clinical examinations are usually handled by the concerned states or the local testing agencies. Besides, the students might also have to give a special exam regarding the legal aspects of hygienist training. Oral hygienists have a code of ethics to follow. Such exams ensures that oral hygienists are familiar with this and pass the test before they can legally practice their profession. There are states where students are allowed to train through on-the-job programs they regulate. These programs are part of the dental hygienist training program being offered.
An oral hygienist should be fit physically as well, as he might have to deal with heavy equipment or stand or bend for long hours as a part of their job. People working in this profession are susceptible to neck and shoulder injuries. Thus, they need to take precautions to minimize these injuries. Apart from basic dental hygienist training, people should also acquire the necessary social skills that are required to interact with the patient. Hygienists will often have to deal with patients who are scared or nervous. In these instances, they need to have great people skills. Also, he or she should be of friendly nature and professionally competent to work in co-ordination with the other hygienists and dentists.
Upon successful completion of the dental hygienist training program, the individual can work in a dentist's office assisting them in dental work or start their own private practice. Those who aspire to become an oral hygienist need to realize that the path to becoming one is fraught with hurdles that need to be overcome. One needs to be ready for the years of toiling before he can establish himself and start earning rewards. The years of hard work is worth it, however; it's because hygienists are among the higher paid professionals in the medical and dental fields.
The Coursework To Expect During Dental Hygienist Training
Dental hygienist training is becoming a greater need as more and more individuals decide to enter the field of dentistry. With the demand for oral health care continuing rise, expectations show that the job position for hygienists should also increase. This career choice is gaining in popularity due to the large salary , clean work environment, and overall low level of stress.
In the United States, the are several routes in which an individual can choose to follow to become a dental hygienist. The individual needs to be accepted into an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited university or institution. After being admitted, they then need to graduate from the school with a certificate, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree in the dental hygiene.
It is important to seek programs that are ADA accredited. In the United States, there are nearly 200 schools or universities that offer dental hygienist training. Individuals must graduate high school with a diploma or GED to be eligible for acceptance into one of the dental programs.
To complete the certificate or associate's dental program, the usual term of length for these two programs are two years. For those individuals looking to obtain a bachelor's degree toward dental hygiene, the estimated completion time is around four years. A lot of students look to enter into the bachelor's program after completing their certificate or associate's degree to improve their changes of advancing in the dental industry. Those individuals wishing to advance beyond a bachelor's degree will enter a graduate programs that typically lasts two years.
The dental hygienist training classes listed under general course study are computer science, chemistry, and biology. An example of the classes involved in an oral hygienist major that one might expect to see follow:
First Semester:
Oral Biology
Dental Radiology
Neck and Head Anatomy
Dental Health Education
Introduction to Clinic
2nd Semester:
Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide
General and Dental Pathology
Geriatrics and Patient Management
Clinical Practice I
Dentistry and Nutrition
Third Semester:
Periodontics I
Pharmacology
Oral Health Material
Advanced Clinical Topics
Clinical Practice 2
Fourth Semester:
Periodontics 2
Financial Management and Practice
Clinical Practice III
Community Dental Healthcare
Ethics and Jurisprudence
After attending the ADA accredited school for dental hygienist training, the individual must then complete a written board exam and a clinical board exam in the state they wish to practice in and pass both exams to become licensed to practice for that state. There are five different types of exams that differ depending on the state or region one is seeking licensure. The written and clinical examinations usually average between $900-$1100 total to be taken.
The clinical exam will normally cover a patient treatment selection (identifying teeth and their problems), a radio-graphic component, and administration of local anesthesia if allowed and if qualified.
The written examination is not always necessary, but if it is, then the way it is administered will change from state to state also. Most states will require a multiple choice computerized test varying in length. There are a few states and regions that add essay-style questionnaires and have the student create an actual plan of care. Some states do not require a written or computerized examination.
Those who are able to pass the necessary dental hygienist training will be well on their way to a flexible, fulfilling career. By reading this article, I hope it provides some insight into what to expect if you are interested in pursuing this career choice.
In the United States, the are several routes in which an individual can choose to follow to become a dental hygienist. The individual needs to be accepted into an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited university or institution. After being admitted, they then need to graduate from the school with a certificate, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree in the dental hygiene.
It is important to seek programs that are ADA accredited. In the United States, there are nearly 200 schools or universities that offer dental hygienist training. Individuals must graduate high school with a diploma or GED to be eligible for acceptance into one of the dental programs.
To complete the certificate or associate's dental program, the usual term of length for these two programs are two years. For those individuals looking to obtain a bachelor's degree toward dental hygiene, the estimated completion time is around four years. A lot of students look to enter into the bachelor's program after completing their certificate or associate's degree to improve their changes of advancing in the dental industry. Those individuals wishing to advance beyond a bachelor's degree will enter a graduate programs that typically lasts two years.
The dental hygienist training classes listed under general course study are computer science, chemistry, and biology. An example of the classes involved in an oral hygienist major that one might expect to see follow:
First Semester:
Oral Biology
Dental Radiology
Neck and Head Anatomy
Dental Health Education
Introduction to Clinic
2nd Semester:
Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide
General and Dental Pathology
Geriatrics and Patient Management
Clinical Practice I
Dentistry and Nutrition
Third Semester:
Periodontics I
Pharmacology
Oral Health Material
Advanced Clinical Topics
Clinical Practice 2
Fourth Semester:
Periodontics 2
Financial Management and Practice
Clinical Practice III
Community Dental Healthcare
Ethics and Jurisprudence
After attending the ADA accredited school for dental hygienist training, the individual must then complete a written board exam and a clinical board exam in the state they wish to practice in and pass both exams to become licensed to practice for that state. There are five different types of exams that differ depending on the state or region one is seeking licensure. The written and clinical examinations usually average between $900-$1100 total to be taken.
The clinical exam will normally cover a patient treatment selection (identifying teeth and their problems), a radio-graphic component, and administration of local anesthesia if allowed and if qualified.
The written examination is not always necessary, but if it is, then the way it is administered will change from state to state also. Most states will require a multiple choice computerized test varying in length. There are a few states and regions that add essay-style questionnaires and have the student create an actual plan of care. Some states do not require a written or computerized examination.
Those who are able to pass the necessary dental hygienist training will be well on their way to a flexible, fulfilling career. By reading this article, I hope it provides some insight into what to expect if you are interested in pursuing this career choice.
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