Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Belleville Illinois
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist school near Belleville IL. But before you can make your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Choosing the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Belleville IL 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 encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Belleville IL dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a great option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Belleville IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Belleville IL, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished 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 several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Belleville IL employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Belleville IL dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly 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 Belleville IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching 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 Belleville IL dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the schools you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Belleville IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume 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 in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Belleville IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting 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 will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Belleville IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Belleville
Enroll in the Best Belleville Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect 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 choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Belleville Illinois.
Belleville Dental Hygienist Programs | Belleville How To Become A Dental Hygienist