Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Best One Near Westport Connecticut
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Westport CT is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other important factors to take into account as well, for instance the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Westport CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work 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 every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Westport CT dental offices are usually required to hold 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 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a great option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Westport CT home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Westport CT, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to reach 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 ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Westport CT employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select offers adequate 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 select offers clinical rotation in a local Westport CT dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to get 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Westport CT dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Westport CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Westport CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Westport CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, 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 have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Westport
Pick the Best Westport Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course 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 several options available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Westport Connecticut.
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