Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near North Aurora Illinois
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near North Aurora IL is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and must be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Dental Hygienist Job Description
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the North Aurora IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in North Aurora IL dental practices are usually 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 clinical component to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your North Aurora IL home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the right option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in North Aurora IL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. North Aurora IL employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For 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 North Aurora IL dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, practical 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 establish professional relationships in the North Aurora IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the North Aurora IL dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the North Aurora IL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial 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 analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the North Aurora IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near North Aurora IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, 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 need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in North Aurora
Enroll in the Best North Aurora Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is essential if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 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 choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in North Aurora Illinois.
North Aurora Dental Hygienist Colleges | North Aurora Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me