Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Bethel Connecticut
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Bethel CT. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, such as the college's accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Bethel CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Bethel CT dental practices are generally required to hold 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 nearly 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a great option for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Bethel CT home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting 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 clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bethel CT, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify 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 education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bethel CT employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Bethel CT dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to get hands-on, clinical 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 build professional relationships in the Bethel CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Check if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges 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 place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Bethel CT dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bethel CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Bethel CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bethel
Pick the Best Bethel Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bethel Connecticut.
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