Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Shorewood Illinois
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist college near Shorewood IL. But prior to making your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Shorewood IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Shorewood IL dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three 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 offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a viable alternative for obtaining 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 accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Shorewood IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Shorewood IL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Shorewood IL employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Shorewood IL dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best means 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 working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Check if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Shorewood IL dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large 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, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Shorewood IL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Shorewood IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Shorewood IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need 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 work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Shorewood
Pick the Right Shorewood Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect 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 right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Shorewood Illinois.
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