Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near New Milford Connecticut
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist school near New Milford CT. But prior to making your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. 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. There are other significant factors to take into account as well, including the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties 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 assists the New Milford CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in New Milford CT dental practices are usually 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 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 practical component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college can be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your New Milford CT home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. 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 necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in New Milford CT, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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 ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. New Milford CT employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local New Milford CT dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real 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 look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs 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 New Milford CT dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the New Milford CT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the New Milford CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near New Milford CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in New Milford
Choose the Best New Milford Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. 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 right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in New Milford Connecticut.
New Milford Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | New Milford Dental Hygienist Programs