Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Tinley Park Illinois
The most important first step to launch your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Tinley Park IL. But before you can make your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the best way to make your decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also important issues and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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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 undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Tinley Park IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains 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 Education Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Tinley Park IL dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take 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 clinical component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a great option for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Tinley Park IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the best choice for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Tinley Park IL, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Tinley Park IL employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Tinley Park IL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Tinley Park IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching 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 Tinley Park IL dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Tinley Park IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Tinley Park IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Tinley Park IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have 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 because of illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Tinley Park
Choose the Right Tinley Park Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options available to receive your education 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 schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose 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 in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Tinley Park Illinois.
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