Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Select the Right One Near Glastonbury Connecticut

Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Glastonbury CT is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. There are other significant factors to consider also, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below

Dental Hygienist Job Description

When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Glastonbury CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Teaching patients regarding oral care
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensure exams. Once they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the "RDH" designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Glastonbury CT dental offices are often 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 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Classes

Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Glastonbury CT home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.

Issues to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Glastonbury CT, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options also. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Glastonbury CT employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide 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 ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Glastonbury CT dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Glastonbury CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Glastonbury CT dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Glastonbury CT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.

 What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Glastonbury CT area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Glastonbury CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.

Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Glastonbury

Choose the Best Glastonbury Dental Hygienist School

Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you wish 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 fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Glastonbury Connecticut.
 

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