Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Castle Rock Colorado
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program near Castle Rock CO is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. Choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Castle Rock CO dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Castle Rock CO dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Castle Rock CO home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Castle Rock CO, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Castle Rock CO employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose offers 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 Castle Rock CO dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Castle Rock CO dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Castle Rock CO dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Castle Rock CO dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Castle Rock CO area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Castle Rock CO in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Castle Rock
Choose the Best Castle Rock Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Castle Rock Colorado.
Castle Rock Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Castle Rock Dental Hygienist Degree