Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Choose the Right One Near Southbury Connecticut
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near Southbury CT is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. Picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other significant factors to take into account also, for instance the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn 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 longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Southbury CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Southbury CT dental offices are normally 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 complete 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 clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Southbury CT home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Southbury CT, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing 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 best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Southbury CT employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides enough 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 choose offers clinical rotation in a local Southbury CT dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing 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 Southbury CT dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Southbury 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 clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Southbury CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Southbury CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Southbury
Choose the Right Southbury Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist course is essential 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 numerous options available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 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 choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Southbury Connecticut.
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