Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Tinley Park Illinois
The most important first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to select the right dental hygienist school near Tinley Park IL. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. Picking the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also significant factors and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Tinley Park IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and report their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Tinley Park IL dental offices 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 virtually 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school can be a great alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Tinley Park IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened also. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental office 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 style of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right option for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Tinley Park IL, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly 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 establish that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Tinley Park IL employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose 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 programs you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to receive 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Tinley Park IL dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Tinley Park IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses 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 expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Tinley Park IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Tinley Park IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Tinley Park
Choose the Best Tinley Park Dental Hygienist Program
Picking the right 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 numerous alternatives available to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning 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 provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Tinley Park Illinois.
Tinley Park Dental Hygiene Schools | Tinley Park Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me