Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Joliet Illinois
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Joliet IL is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental 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 roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Joliet IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Joliet IL dental offices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish 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 component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a great option for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Joliet IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Joliet IL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Joliet IL employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Joliet IL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Joliet IL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Joliet IL dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Joliet IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides 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 examining the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Joliet IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Joliet IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Joliet
Pick the Right Joliet Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Joliet Illinois.
Joliet Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Joliet Dental Hygienist Degree