Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Troy Illinois
A critical first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist college near Troy IL. However, you must assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, such as the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these concerns and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Troy IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Troy IL dental practices are usually 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 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a good option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the convenience of your Troy IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental office 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 discipline for this mode of learning, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right choice for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Troy IL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Troy IL employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Troy IL dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Troy IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Troy IL dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are reviewing how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Troy IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost 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 variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Troy IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Troy IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Troy
Pick the Right Troy Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period 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 schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two 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 choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided 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 Troy Illinois.