Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Find the Best One Near New Canaan Connecticut
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near New Canaan CT. However, you must analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the New Canaan CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in New Canaan CT dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a good option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your New Canaan CT home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for 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 receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in New Canaan CT, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online options also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. New Canaan CT employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides enough 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, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local New Canaan CT dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective way 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Check if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the New Canaan CT dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. 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 New Canaan CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical 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 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the New Canaan CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near New Canaan CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in New Canaan
Enroll in the Right New Canaan Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to obtain your education 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 community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in New Canaan Connecticut.
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