Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Right One Near Downers Grove Illinois
A critical first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist college near Downers Grove IL. However, you must evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other significant factors to take into account also, for instance the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Downers Grove IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Downers Grove IL dental offices are often 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a good option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Downers Grove IL home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Downers Grove IL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several 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 Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Downers Grove IL employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Downers Grove IL dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to get hands-on, practical 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Downers Grove IL dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Downers Grove IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as 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 expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Downers Grove IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Downers Grove IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Downers Grove
Choose the Best Downers Grove Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist course is crucial 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 numerous alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing 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 presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Downers Grove Illinois.
Downers Grove Dental Hygiene Schools | Downers Grove Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me