Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program near Oxford CT is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. There are other important factors to take into account as well, such as the school’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 two to three years to complete. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Job of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Oxford CT dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

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

In order to be licensed 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 Exam in addition to passing any state licensing exams. After 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 Training Options

Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Oxford CT dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete 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| Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Classes

Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Oxford CT home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Oxford CT, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Oxford CT employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.

Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Oxford CT dental office that specializes in dental care for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way 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 build professional relationships in the Oxford CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Oxford CT dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Oxford CT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. 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 programs, don’t forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Oxford CT area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Oxford 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 practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Oxford CT?

Choose the Best Dental Hygienist Program near Oxford CT

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Oxford CT.

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