Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Find the Right One Near Palos Illinois
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist college near Palos IL. However, you must analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing 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 Duties
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Palos IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Palos IL dental practices are normally 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 complete 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 component to the training as well. Some programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program may be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Palos IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the right choice for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Palos IL, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied 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 School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Palos IL employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Palos IL dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to obtain 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Palos IL dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Palos IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical 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 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 analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Palos IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Palos IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, 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 have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Palos
Choose the Best Palos Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Palos Illinois.
Palos Dental Hygienist Colleges | Palos Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me