Dental Hygiene Training Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Du Page Illinois
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Du Page IL is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and must 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 complete. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Du Page IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Du Page IL dental offices are normally 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 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a good option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Du Page IL home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Du Page IL, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Du Page IL employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish 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 want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Du Page IL dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the best way 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 as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Du Page IL dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Du Page IL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs 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 schools, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Du Page IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Du Page IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required 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 work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Du Page
Pick the Right Du Page Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing 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 begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Du Page Illinois.
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