Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Norwich Connecticut
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Norwich CT is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other significant factors to take into account also, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Norwich CT dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.
Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a great option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Norwich CT home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Norwich CT, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Norwich CT employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in provides enough 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, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Norwich CT dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for 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 as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Norwich CT dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Norwich CT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
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 factors, 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 examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Norwich CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Norwich CT at nights 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 procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
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Pick the Best Norwich Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. 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 appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Norwich Connecticut.
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