Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Georgetown CT 06829 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Find the Right Dental Hygienist College near Georgetown Connecticut

Georgetown CT dental hygienist with patient Picking the right dental hygienist program near Georgetown CT is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other significant issues to consider as well, including the program’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

The Job of a Dental Hygienist

Georgetown CT pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Georgetown CT practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

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

To qualify for licensing in almost all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensing examinations. When they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Georgetown CT dental offices 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 clinical component to the training as well| Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Colleges

attending dental hygienist school online in Georgetown CT Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Georgetown CT home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for 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 clinical and online training, everything needed to get the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Georgetown CT dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Georgetown CT, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Although these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition 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 training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Georgetown CT employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.

Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical 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, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Georgetown CT dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Georgetown CT dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Georgetown CT dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate 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 whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to include all of the costs associated with 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 Georgetown CT area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Georgetown CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, 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 have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Georgetown CT?

Georgetown, Connecticut

Georgetown is located at the southwest corner of the town of Redding, the northwest corner of the town of Weston, the southeast corner of the town of Ridgefield, and the northeast corner of the town of Wilton. Georgetown residents officially live in and pay local taxes to one of these four towns, but typically identify themselves as living in Georgetown. Georgetown has its own fire district, which also serves the surrounding rural areas not traditionally included in Georgetown, and its own ZIP code (06829).

On April 9, 1987, the central portion of the village was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as the Georgetown Historic District. A map shows its approximate location within Georgetown.[2] The historic district is an area of 90 acres (360,000 m2) that includes the Gilbert and Bennett manufacturing plant, institutional housing built for the plant workers, and other private homes. The district includes portions of Georgetown in the towns of Redding and Wilton.[3]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.85 square miles (7.4 km2), of which 2.84 square miles (7.4 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.052 km2), or 0.70%, is water. Of the total area of the CDP, 2.36 square miles (6.1 km2) are in Wilton, 0.33 square miles (0.85 km2) are in Redding, and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km2) are in Weston.

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 1,650 people, 572 households, and 455 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 581.8 people per square mile (224.3/km2). There were 597 housing units at an average density of 210.5 per square mile (81.2/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.62% White, 1.33% African American, 0.24% Native American, 3.39% Asian, 0.48% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.39% of the population.

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Enroll in the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Georgetown CT

Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options offered to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing 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 better prepared to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Georgetown CT.