Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Denver Colorado
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Denver CO is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing 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 Functions
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main 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, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing 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 as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Denver CO dental offices 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a good option for getting your training. 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 provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Denver CO home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Denver CO, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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. Denver CO employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Denver CO dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to get hands-on, practical 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Denver CO dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Denver CO dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Denver CO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Denver CO in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Denver
Enroll in the Best Denver Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Denver Colorado.
Denver Dental Hygienist Programs | Denver How To Become A Dental Hygienist