Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Godfrey Illinois
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Godfrey IL is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. Picking the program with the lowest 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 accreditation and reputation are also important factors and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Godfrey IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Godfrey IL dental offices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist program might be a good option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Godfrey IL home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Godfrey IL, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Even though these are significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. 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 Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Godfrey IL employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? 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 relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Godfrey IL dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal 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 create professional relationships in the Godfrey IL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching 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 Godfrey IL dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Godfrey IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the duration 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 in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Godfrey IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Godfrey IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required 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 work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Godfrey
Enroll in the Best Godfrey Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 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 addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Godfrey Illinois.
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