Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Find the Right One Near Highland Park Illinois
The most important first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist college near Highland Park IL. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the prolonged training 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 review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Highland Park IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Highland Park IL dental practices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a good option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Highland Park IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Highland Park IL, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school 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. Highland Park IL employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in provides sufficient 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, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Highland Park IL dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to get 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing 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 Highland Park IL dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Highland Park IL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Highland Park IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Highland Park IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Highland Park
Pick the Best Highland Park Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require approximately two 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 elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Highland Park Illinois.
Highland Park Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Highland Park Dental Hygienist Degree