Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Elmhurst Illinois
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Elmhurst IL is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. Selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at 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 comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Elmhurst IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Elmhurst IL dental practices are usually 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Elmhurst IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can typically be performed at a community 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 dedication for this style of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the best choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Elmhurst IL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Elmhurst IL employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Elmhurst IL dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Elmhurst IL dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Elmhurst IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if 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 costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Elmhurst IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Elmhurst 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 protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Elmhurst
Enroll in the Right Elmhurst Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative 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 several options offered to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Elmhurst Illinois.
Elmhurst How To Become A Dental Hygienist | Elmhurst Dental Hygienist Courses