Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Right One Near Wethersfield Connecticut
A critical first step to launch your new profession in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist college near Wethersfield CT. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Wethersfield 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 first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities 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
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Wethersfield CT dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical 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 can be a great option for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Wethersfield CT home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wethersfield CT, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Although these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Wethersfield CT employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Wethersfield CT dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way to obtain hands-on, practical 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Wethersfield CT dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Wethersfield CT dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 comparing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Wethersfield CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Wethersfield CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Wethersfield
Choose the Right Wethersfield Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Wethersfield Connecticut.
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