Picking the right dental hygienist school near Harwinton CT is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other significant factors to take into account also, including the program’s reputation and accreditation. 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 accomplish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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The Role of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Harwinton CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

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

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam in addition to passing any state licensing exams. Once they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Harwinton CT dental offices are often required to have 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 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 offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Harwinton CT home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Harwinton CT, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options also. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Harwinton CT employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.

Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you choose offers 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, verify that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Harwinton CT dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Harwinton CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Harwinton CT dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Harwinton CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Harwinton CT area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Harwinton CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required 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 work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Harwinton CT?

Pick the Best Dental Hygienist College near Harwinton CT

Choosing the right dental hygienist program is essential 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 alternatives 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 community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 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 elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Harwinton CT.

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