Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Lakewood Colorado
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Lakewood CO is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to take into account also, including the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest 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. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Lakewood CO dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Lakewood CO dental practices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Lakewood CO home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lakewood CO, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial considerations, 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 furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lakewood CO employers frequently desire 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 provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type 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 college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lakewood CO dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional 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 as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lakewood CO dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Lakewood CO dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lakewood CO area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Lakewood CO at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, 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 work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Lakewood
Enroll in the Right Lakewood Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is imperative 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 alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning 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 better prepared to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Lakewood Colorado.
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