Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Right One Near Wilton Connecticut
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Wilton CT is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other important issues to consider also, such as the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Wilton CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Wilton CT dental offices are normally 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally 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 convenience of your Wilton CT home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office 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 method of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wilton CT, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online options also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Wilton CT employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For 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 Wilton CT dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to obtain 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Wilton CT dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Wilton CT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting 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 schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Wilton CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Wilton CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Wilton
Pick the Best Wilton Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to obtain your training 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, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies prior to entering 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 asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Wilton Connecticut.
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