Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Naperville IL is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other important issues to take into account also, such as the college’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Role of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Naperville IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently 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 may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Educating patients about oral care
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

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

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Due to the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Naperville IL dental practices are generally 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 complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist college may be a good option for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Naperville IL home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online college is the right option for you.

Issues to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Naperville IL, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges 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 due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Naperville IL employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you enroll in provides adequate 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, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Naperville IL dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective 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 form professional relationships in the Naperville IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering 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 Naperville IL dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Naperville IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length 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 in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 comparing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Naperville IL area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and must go to classes near Naperville IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Naperville IL?

Pick the Ideal Dental Hygienist College near Naperville IL

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain 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 on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Naperville IL.

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