Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Norwalk Connecticut
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Norwalk CT is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Norwalk CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Norwalk CT dental offices are generally 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 almost 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 aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a viable option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Norwalk CT home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can typically 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 proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Norwalk CT, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Norwalk CT employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Norwalk CT dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best method 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 form professional relationships in the Norwalk CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Norwalk CT dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Norwalk CT dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Norwalk CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Norwalk CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Norwalk
Choose the Best Norwalk Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is crucial 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 several options available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Norwalk Connecticut.
Norwalk Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Norwalk Dental Hygienist Programs