Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Durango Colorado
Selecting the right dental hygienist program near Durango CO is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. Selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting 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 assists the Durango CO practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Durango CO dental practices are often 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember 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 provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Durango CO home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. 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 needed to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Durango CO, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Durango CO employers frequently 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 available for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Durango CO dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Durango CO dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Durango CO dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Durango CO dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 programs, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Durango CO area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Durango CO at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Durango
Pick the Right Durango Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually 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 elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Durango Colorado.
Durango Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Durango Dental Hygienist Degree