Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Right One Near Centennial Colorado
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Centennial CO. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, including the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Centennial CO practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Centennial CO dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Centennial CO home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Centennial CO, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Centennial CO employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Centennial CO dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Centennial CO dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Centennial CO dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private 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 commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Centennial CO area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Centennial CO in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need 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 because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Centennial
Choose the Right Centennial Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course 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 options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Centennial Colorado.
Centennial Dental Hygiene Schools | Centennial Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me