Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Aurora Illinois
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist school near Aurora IL. But before you can make your choice, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home. There are other significant factors to consider as well, for instance the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Aurora IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually 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 stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Aurora IL dental offices are generally 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 community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist college may be a viable option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Aurora IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Aurora IL, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options also. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 establish that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Aurora IL employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Aurora IL dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method 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 form professional relationships in the Aurora IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Aurora IL dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Aurora IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Aurora IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Aurora IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical 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 issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Aurora
Choose the Right Aurora Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Aurora Illinois.
Aurora Dental Hygienist Programs | Aurora How To Become A Dental Hygienist