Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Ridgefield Connecticut
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist program near Ridgefield CT. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Ridgefield CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first 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. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Ridgefield CT dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish 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. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a viable option for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Ridgefield CT home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies 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 online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the best option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Ridgefield CT, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Ridgefield CT employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an 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 Ridgefield CT dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal 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 are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Ridgefield CT dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger 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 Ridgefield CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges 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 expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Ridgefield CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Ridgefield CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in 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 work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Ridgefield
Pick the Best Ridgefield Dental Hygienist School
Choosing 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 we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount 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 generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Ridgefield Connecticut.
Ridgefield Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Ridgefield Dental Hygienist Programs