Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Choose the Right One Near Denver Colorado
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Denver CO is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other crucial issues to take into account also, including the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore 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 most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Denver CO practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Denver CO dental practices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Denver CO home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Denver CO, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Denver CO employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Denver CO dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Denver CO dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Denver CO dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Denver CO dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Denver CO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Denver CO in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Denver
Choose the Best Denver Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives available to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking 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 begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Denver Colorado.
Denver Dental Hygienist Degree | Denver Dental Hygienist Schools Online