Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right One Near La Grange Park Illinois
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist college near La Grange Park IL. But before you can make your choice, you need to analyze and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other significant issues to consider as well, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must spend 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 a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing 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 Description
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the La Grange Park IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with 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 may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in La Grange Park IL dental offices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in trade and technical 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 sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a great alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your La Grange Park IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the right option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in La Grange Park IL, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement 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 education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. La Grange Park IL employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local La Grange Park IL dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive hands-on, clinical 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 form professional relationships in the La Grange Park IL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the La Grange Park IL dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the La Grange Park IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the La Grange Park IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near La Grange Park IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in La Grange Park
Enroll in the Right La Grange Park Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in La Grange Park Illinois.
La Grange Park Dental Hygiene Schools | La Grange Park Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me