Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Southbury Connecticut
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Southbury CT is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to take into account as well, for instance the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn 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 longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Southbury CT, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, 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. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Southbury CT employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Southbury CT dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to get 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 also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Southbury CT dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Southbury CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience 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 vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses 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 related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is offered 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 assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Southbury CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need 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 due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Southbury
Enroll in the Best Southbury Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to acquire your training 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 typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Southbury Connecticut.
Southbury Dental Hygienist Colleges | Southbury Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me