Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Find the Right One Near Bridgeview Illinois
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Bridgeview IL. But prior to making your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also important factors and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover 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 look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role 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 Bridgeview IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Bridgeview IL 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 practical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a good option for receiving 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 accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Bridgeview IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. 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 also. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bridgeview IL, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bridgeview IL employers frequently prefer 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 offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like 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 Bridgeview IL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional 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 look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Check if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Bridgeview IL dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Bridgeview IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience 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 vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bridgeview IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Bridgeview IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Bridgeview
Choose the Best Bridgeview Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bridgeview Illinois.
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