Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Right One Near Pekin Illinois
The most important first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist program near Pekin IL. However, you must analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry program's accreditation and reputation are also crucial factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Pekin IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Pekin IL dental practices are generally 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. 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.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a good alternative for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Pekin IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pekin IL, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. 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 education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Pekin IL employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Pekin IL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Pekin IL dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Pekin IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs 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 assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Pekin IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Pekin IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Pekin
Pick the Best Pekin Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining 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 best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Pekin Illinois.
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