Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Best One Near Enfield Connecticut
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Enfield CT is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and should be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should 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 Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Enfield CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Enfield CT dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a viable alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Enfield CT home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Enfield CT, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation 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 planning 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Enfield CT employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Enfield CT dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective 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 form professional relationships in the Enfield CT dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Enfield CT dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the schools you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Enfield CT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Enfield CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Enfield 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 procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Enfield
Pick the Right Enfield Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options available to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining 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 better prepared to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Enfield Connecticut.
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