Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Marengo IL is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to take into account also, for instance the program’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

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The Role of Dental Hygienists

When comparing the duties 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 Marengo IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

• Removing plaque, tartar and stains
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Educating patients regarding oral care
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

In order to be licensed in almost all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensing exams. After they have fulfilled these requirements they are considered fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Marengo IL dental offices are often 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 trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. 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.

Online Dental Hygienist Programs

Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a viable option for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Marengo IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically 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 provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Programs

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Marengo IL, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify 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 get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Marengo IL employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Marengo IL dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Marengo IL dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Marengo IL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to 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 expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Marengo IL area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Marengo IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Marengo IL?

Pick the Ideal Dental Hygienist College near Marengo IL

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. 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 Marengo IL.

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