Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Best One Near Bethel Connecticut
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist college near Bethel CT. But before you can make your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and should be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Bethel CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings 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
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Bethel CT dental practices are often 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program 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 Bethel CT home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bethel CT, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify 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 get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bethel CT employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Bethel CT dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to obtain 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bethel CT dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Bethel CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bethel CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must go to classes near Bethel CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need 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 responsibilities.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bethel
Choose the Best Bethel Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bethel Connecticut.
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