Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Best One Near Plainfield Illinois
A critical first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist college near Plainfield IL. But prior to making your choice, you must examine and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you need to 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 Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Plainfield IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Plainfield IL dental practices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a viable option for receiving your training. 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 available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Plainfield IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can typically 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 appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Plainfield IL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges 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 right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Plainfield IL employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Plainfield IL dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to get 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 establish professional relationships in the Plainfield IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Plainfield IL dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Plainfield IL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall 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 variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Plainfield IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Plainfield IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have 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 work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Plainfield
Choose the Best Plainfield Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program 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 several alternatives available to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Plainfield Illinois.
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