Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Right One Near Lafayette Colorado
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist school near Lafayette CO. But prior to making your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting 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 important issues to take into account as well, for instance the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. 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 considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Lafayette CO practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lafayette 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Lafayette CO home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the best option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lafayette CO, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for some online options also. Although these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. 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 Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lafayette CO employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lafayette CO dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lafayette CO dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Lafayette CO dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. 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 colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lafayette CO area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Lafayette CO in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Lafayette
Pick the Best Lafayette Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to receive your education 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 schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lafayette Colorado.
Lafayette Dental Hygiene Schools | Lafayette Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me