Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Englewood Colorado
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Englewood CO is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. There are other significant issues to take into account as well, including the program's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should 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 offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Englewood CO dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Englewood CO dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 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 aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a good alternative for receiving 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 remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Englewood CO home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Englewood CO, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Englewood CO employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose offers enough 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, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Englewood CO dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Englewood CO dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Englewood CO dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Englewood CO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Englewood CO at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Englewood
Pick the Best Englewood Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short amount 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 programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies prior to entering 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 addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Englewood Colorado.
Englewood Dental Hygienist Colleges | Englewood Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me