Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Select the Right One Near West Hartford Connecticut
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist college near West Hartford CT. However, you need to examine and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and should be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists generally 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 consequently there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the West Hartford CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in West Hartford CT dental practices 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in trade and vocational 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. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a good option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your West Hartford CT home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in West Hartford CT, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online options also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. West Hartford CT employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in provides adequate 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, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local West Hartford CT dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the West Hartford CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Find out 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 West Hartford CT dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the West Hartford CT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the West Hartford CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near West Hartford CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in West Hartford
Pick the Best West Hartford Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in West Hartford Connecticut.
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