Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Pick the Right One Near Storrs Connecticut
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near Storrs CT. But before you can make your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. Picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Storrs CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Storrs CT dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a great option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Storrs CT home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the right choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Storrs CT, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition 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 guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Storrs CT employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Storrs CT dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to receive 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 develop professional relationships in the Storrs CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Storrs CT dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Storrs CT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Storrs CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Storrs CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still need 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 due to work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Storrs
Pick the Right Storrs Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Storrs Connecticut.
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