Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Enroll In the Best One Near East Norwalk Connecticut
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near East Norwalk CT is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other significant factors to take into account also, for instance the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating 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 Functions
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the East Norwalk CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings 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
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in East Norwalk CT dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a good option for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your East Norwalk CT home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in East Norwalk CT, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good 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 requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. East Norwalk CT employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local East Norwalk CT dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to get 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the East Norwalk CT dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the East Norwalk CT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the East Norwalk CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near East Norwalk 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 protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in East Norwalk
Pick the Right East Norwalk Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to receive your training and it takes a fairly 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 schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in East Norwalk Connecticut.
East Norwalk Dental Hygienist Schools | East Norwalk Dental Hygiene Schools