How to Select a Dental Hygienist School near Wenona Illinois
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Wenona IL is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to performing your due diligence than choosing the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other important issues to take into account also, including the school’s accreditation and reputation. 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 complete. Naturally with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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The Function of Dental Hygienists
When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Wenona 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 initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam as well as any state licensing examinations. When they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Wenona 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 almost every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. 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 Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a great option for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Wenona IL home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can often be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to get the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wenona IL, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. 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 Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Wenona IL employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the college you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Wenona IL dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Wenona IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Wenona IL dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Wenona IL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Wenona IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Wenona IL in the evenings 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 policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Attending Dental Hygienist School near Wenona IL?
Wenona, Illinois
The Marshall County portion of Wenona is part of the Peoria Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the small portion that lies in LaSalle County is part of the Ottawa–Streator Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Wenona is located at 41°3′11″N 89°3′12″W / 41.05306°N 89.05333°W / 41.05306; -89.05333 (41.053080, -89.053415).[4] Most of the city lies in Marshall County, although a small portion extends into southern LaSalle County. In the 2000 census, all of Wenona's 1,065 residents lived in Marshall County. According to the 2010 census, Wenona has a total area of 0.74 square miles (1.92 km2), all land.[5]
As of the census[8] of 2000, there were 1,065 people, 453 households, and 278 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,583.9 people per square mile (613.7/km²). There were 504 housing units at an average density of 749.6 per square mile (290.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.65% White, 0.38% Black or African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.19% Asian, and 1.31% from two or more races. 1.50% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 453 households out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.10.
Choose the Best Dental Hygienist College near Wenona IL
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available 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 programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect 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 begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Wenona IL.
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