Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Find the Right One Near Mount Prospect Illinois
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Mount Prospect IL. But before you can make your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Mount Prospect IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Mount Prospect IL dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three 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 clinical component to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program might be a good alternative for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Mount Prospect IL home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Subjects to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mount Prospect IL, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Mount Prospect IL employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Mount Prospect IL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Mount Prospect IL dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Mount Prospect IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges 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 expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Mount Prospect IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Mount Prospect IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Mount Prospect
Pick the Right Mount Prospect Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Mount Prospect Illinois.
Mount Prospect Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me | Mount Prospect Dental Hygienist Degree