Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Wilton Connecticut
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist school near Wilton CT. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the right way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and must be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing 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 hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Wilton CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first 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 carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Wilton 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 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. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a great alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Wilton CT home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wilton CT, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program 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. Wilton CT employers typically prefer or require that job applicants 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 schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Wilton CT dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Wilton CT dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Wilton CT dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Wilton CT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Wilton CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Wilton CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, 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 need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Wilton
Choose the Best Wilton Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning 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 start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Wilton Connecticut.
Wilton Dental Hygienist Programs | Wilton How To Become A Dental Hygienist