Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Bethel Connecticut
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Bethel CT is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other significant issues to consider also, for instance the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Bethel CT dental offices are usually 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 complete 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 sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a viable 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 remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Bethel CT home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bethel CT, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bethel CT employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Bethel CT dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to obtain 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 establish professional relationships in the Bethel CT dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bethel CT dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Bethel CT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bethel CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Bethel CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bethel
Pick the Right Bethel Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bethel Connecticut.
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