Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Right One Near Elmwood Park Illinois
The most important first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist college near Elmwood Park IL. But before you can make your choice, you need to 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 college that is closest to your residence. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at 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 contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Elmwood Park IL dentists and the practice. 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 gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may 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
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Elmwood Park IL dental offices are usually 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your Elmwood Park IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. 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 competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Elmwood Park IL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options also. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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 training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Elmwood Park IL employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in offers sufficient 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 program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Elmwood Park IL dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to receive 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 are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Elmwood Park IL dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are interested in how big 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, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Elmwood Park IL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to 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 examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Elmwood Park IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Elmwood Park IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Elmwood Park
Enroll in the Best Elmwood Park Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Elmwood Park Illinois.
Elmwood Park Dental Hygienist Schools | Elmwood Park Dental Hygiene Schools