Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Dental Hygienist Online Classes?

Jennifer Leigh
Jennifer Leigh

The best dental hygienist online classes will meet your needs on many different levels. Cost, time needed to complete the degree and admissions requirements are important factors to consider. Other areas that should be thought about before signing up include accreditation, requirements for the degree and whether the degree is completely offered online. Dental hygienist online classes are usually offered in the specific area of dental hygiene, so whether or not you wish to specialize in a certain area is another factor in choosing the best program for you. Continuing education dental hygienist online classes are also offered if you are already a dental hygienist professional working in the field.

Degree programs vary, so the amount of education that you wish to receive is an important factor when choosing online classes. You can receive an associate's degree in dental hygiene, which usually takes two years to complete. Bachelor's degrees are available with an emphasis on being a dental hygienist if you desire more education than an associate's degree. These programs will differ based upon cost and the length of time that they take to complete, so when choosing the best program for you, it is necessary to first determine how much time and money you want to put into it.

Before gaining full employment as a dental hygienist, online students must gain some in-person experience with patients.
Before gaining full employment as a dental hygienist, online students must gain some in-person experience with patients.

If you need a program that is offered completely online, do not choose classes that will eventually require you to do work in an outside setting. Some online programs have internships that are required to be fulfilled in a professional setting working with other dental hygienists. Other programs do not have these requirements, so make sure that you ask the admissions representative about the program requirements prior to signing up.

Students enjoy convenience and flexibility when they enroll in online classes.
Students enjoy convenience and flexibility when they enroll in online classes.

Accreditation is an area you should research before taking dental hygienist online classes. Programs that are accredited allow you to become certified in the area of dental hygiene without doing a lot of extra work. Classes that are not accredited might be less expensive, but they do not hold the same weight as those that are. Make a decision about whether this is important to you before signing up for classes.

Graduates of dental hygienist schools can find employment opportunities in a dentist office.
Graduates of dental hygienist schools can find employment opportunities in a dentist office.

Professionals who are already working as dental hygienists might be required to take continuing education dental hygienist online classes to meet requirements. If this is your situation, then the best classes for you will be geared towards continuing education and will last for a specified number of hours. For the best fit, find classes that interest you and meet the requirements for continuing education.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Before gaining full employment as a dental hygienist, online students must gain some in-person experience with patients.
      By: Sergey
      Before gaining full employment as a dental hygienist, online students must gain some in-person experience with patients.
    • Students enjoy convenience and flexibility when they enroll in online classes.
      By: apops
      Students enjoy convenience and flexibility when they enroll in online classes.
    • Graduates of dental hygienist schools can find employment opportunities in a dentist office.
      By: xalanx
      Graduates of dental hygienist schools can find employment opportunities in a dentist office.