Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Pomfret New York

A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist school near Pomfret NY. But prior to making your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and should 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 two to three years to complete. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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Dental Hygienist Job Duties

When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Pomfret NY dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Teaching patients about oral care
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

In order to be licensed in almost all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensure exams. When they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the "RDH" designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Pomfret NY dental practices are often 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Pomfret NY home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best choice for you.

Topics to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pomfret NY, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Pomfret NY employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.

Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Pomfret NY dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to get hands-on, practical 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 develop professional relationships in the Pomfret NY dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Pomfret NY dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Pomfret NY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs 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 comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Pomfret NY area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Pomfret NY at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Pomfret

Choose the Right Pomfret Dental Hygienist School

Selecting the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Pomfret New York.
 

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