Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near North Haven Connecticut
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near North Haven CT is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the North Haven CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in North Haven CT dental practices are often required to have 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 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 aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your North Haven CT home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in North Haven CT, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in 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 Exam, your dental college 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. North Haven CT employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local North Haven CT dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the North Haven CT dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the North Haven CT dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the North Haven CT dental hygienist school 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 Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 examining the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the North Haven CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near North Haven CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in North Haven
Choose the Best North Haven Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in North Haven Connecticut.
North Haven Dental Hygienist Schools | North Haven Dental Hygiene Schools