Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near Kankakee Illinois
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist program near Kankakee IL. But before you can make your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is more expense associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Kankakee IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Kankakee IL dental offices are generally 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 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 aspect to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Kankakee IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist college is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Kankakee IL, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Kankakee IL employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Kankakee IL dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means 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 create professional relationships in the Kankakee IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Kankakee IL dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Kankakee IL dental hygienist college 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 Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount 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 besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Kankakee IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Kankakee IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Kankakee
Enroll in the Right Kankakee Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting 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 a number of alternatives 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, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided 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 Kankakee Illinois.
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