Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Danbury Connecticut
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Danbury CT. But before you can make your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Danbury CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Danbury CT dental offices are usually 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good option for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the program 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 personal computer in the comfort of your Danbury CT home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Danbury CT, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Danbury CT employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers sufficient 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, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Danbury CT dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Danbury CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Danbury CT dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Danbury CT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Danbury CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Danbury CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Danbury
Pick the Right Danbury Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous 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, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to 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 best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Danbury Connecticut.
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