Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Des Plaines Illinois
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist college near Des Plaines IL. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and should be taken into account 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 accomplish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Des Plaines IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Des Plaines IL dental offices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Des Plaines IL home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The clinical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Des Plaines IL, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools 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 due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Des Plaines IL employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in offers 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, confirm that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Des Plaines IL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Des Plaines IL dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Des Plaines IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Des Plaines IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Des Plaines IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required 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 illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Des Plaines
Pick the Best Des Plaines Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 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 decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Des Plaines Illinois.
Des Plaines Dental Hygienist Schools | Des Plaines Dental Hygiene Schools