Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Right One Near Thornton Colorado
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist college near Thornton CO. However, you must examine and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, such as the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools 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 Duties
When contrasting the duties 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 assists the Thornton 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 initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Thornton CO dental offices are normally required to hold 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 almost 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. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Thornton CO home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Thornton CO, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Thornton CO employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Thornton CO dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Thornton CO dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Thornton CO dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to 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 analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Thornton CO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Thornton CO at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Thornton
Enroll in the Right Thornton Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Thornton Colorado.
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