Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Silverthorne CO 80497

How to Choose a Dental Hygienist Training Program near Silverthorne Colorado

Silverthorne CO dental hygienist with patient Picking the right dental hygienist college near Silverthorne CO is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, such as the program’s accreditation and reputation. 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 finish. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Duties of Dental Hygienists

Silverthorne CO pediatric dental hygienist with patient When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Silverthorne CO practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting 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 results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

Removing plaque, tartar and stains
Administering fluoride treatments
Polishing teeth and applying sealants
Instructing patients regarding oral care
Taking X-rays and developing film
Applying fillings and removing sutures

To qualify for licensing 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 Exam as well as any state licensure examinations. Once they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Silverthorne CO dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 clinical aspect to the training as well| A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Colleges

attending dental hygienist school online in Silverthorne CO Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a good option for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Silverthorne CO home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional 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 online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges

teeth cleaned by Silverthorne CO dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Silverthorne CO, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Silverthorne CO employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.

Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the college you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type 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 choose offers clinical rotation in a local Silverthorne CO dental office that specializes in dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to get 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs 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 Silverthorne CO dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Silverthorne CO dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.

What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Silverthorne CO area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Silverthorne CO in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Silverthorne CO?

Silverthorne, Colorado

The town was named for Judge Marshall Silverthorn who served as the judge of the miner's court in Breckenridge. The judge first came to town as a prospector and claimed a section of the Blue River in 1881. After patenting his claim in April 1882, he was disappointed to find the gold to be sparse and the claim a poor bet. The land passed to his daughters on his death in 1887 and was then sold several times to various mining companies. In 1953 Clayton Hill bought the property and subdivided it for homes and stores.[8]

Silverthorne served as a makeshift camp for workers during the construction of the Dillon Reservoir from 1961-1963, and later as a stop along Interstate 70. It was eventually incorporated on April 5, 1967.[2]

Silverthorne is located at 39°38′18″N 106°04′35″W / 39.638391°N 106.076505°W / 39.638391; -106.076505,[9] at 8,730 feet above sea level (2661 meters). The town is situated between the Gore Range to the west and the Continental Divide to the east. The two most visible mountains are Buffalo and Red Mountains. Also surrounding the valley are Ptarmigan, Tenderfoot, and Ten Mile Peaks.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.2 square miles (8.3 km2), of which, 3.2 square miles (8.3 km2) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) of it (0.94%) is water.

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Enroll in the Best Dental Hygienist College near Silverthorne CO

Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental programs at junior 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 before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Silverthorne CO.