Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Franklin Park Illinois
Picking the ideal dental hygienist college near Franklin Park IL is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. There are other significant issues to take into account also, including the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged 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 schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Franklin Park IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Franklin Park 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 practical component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Franklin Park IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the ideal option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Franklin Park IL, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for some online options also. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 guarantee that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Franklin Park IL employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides 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, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Franklin Park IL dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Check if the programs 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 Franklin Park IL dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Franklin Park IL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Franklin Park IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Franklin Park IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Franklin Park
Choose the Right Franklin Park Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal 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 options offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend 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 right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Franklin Park Illinois.
Franklin Park Dental Hygiene Schools | Franklin Park Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me