Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Pick the Right One Near Maywood Illinois
The most important first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist program near Maywood IL. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also significant issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating 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 Description
When comparing the duties 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 assists the Maywood IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Maywood IL dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 clinical component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a great alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Maywood IL home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to college, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Maywood IL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options also. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Maywood IL employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Maywood IL dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way to obtain 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Maywood IL dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Maywood IL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Maywood IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Maywood IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Maywood
Pick the Right Maywood Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning 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 ideal choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Maywood Illinois.
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