Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Collinsville IL is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than selecting the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider also, including the program’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists typically 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 more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will explore all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Job of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Collinsville IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with 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. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:

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

In order to be licensed in almost 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 in addition to passing any state licensure exams. After they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Collinsville IL dental practices are normally 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 complete 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 clinical aspect to the training as well| A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Training

Selecting an online dental hygienist school can be a viable option for receiving your education. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Collinsville IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.

Issues to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Collinsville IL, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid 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 establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Collinsville IL employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.

Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Collinsville IL dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to get hands-on, clinical 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 create professional relationships in the Collinsville IL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing 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 Collinsville IL dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Collinsville IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

 What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don’t forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Collinsville IL area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Collinsville IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Collinsville IL?

Pick the Right Dental Hygienist School near Collinsville IL

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Collinsville IL.

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