Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Burlington Vermont
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near Burlington VT. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than selecting the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and should be taken into account 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 longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Burlington VT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Burlington VT 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 nearly 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a great option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Burlington VT home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the right option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Burlington VT, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online options also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Burlington VT employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Burlington VT dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Burlington VT dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Burlington VT dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Burlington VT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Burlington VT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Burlington
Enroll in the Best Burlington Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 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 decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Burlington Vermont.
Burlington Dental Hygienist Colleges | Burlington Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me