How to Choose a Dental Hygienist Training Program near Smithfield Illinois
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Smithfield IL is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, 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 college that is closest to your residence. There are other significant issues to consider as well, 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 accomplish. Obviously with the prolonged training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
The Duties of Dental Hygienists
When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Smithfield IL dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities may include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
To qualify for licensing in nearly 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 Exam in addition to passing any state licensing examinations. After they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Smithfield IL dental offices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 component to the training as well| Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Selecting an online dental hygienist program may be a good option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Smithfield IL home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can often be performed at an area 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 learning, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Smithfield IL, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Although these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition 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 guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Smithfield IL employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the college you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Smithfield IL dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Smithfield IL dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Smithfield IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount 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 besides the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Smithfield IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Smithfield IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Attending Dental Hygienist School near Smithfield IL?
Smithfield, Illinois
Smithfield is located in western Fulton County at 40°28′23″N 90°17′34″W / 40.47306°N 90.29278°W / 40.47306; -90.29278 (40.473086, -90.292639).[4]Illinois Route 95 forms the northern edge of the village; the highway leads east 6 miles (10 km) to Cuba and west 5.5 miles (8.9 km) to Marietta. Lewistown, the county seat, is 12 miles (19 km) to the southeast via IL 95 and IL 97.
As of the census[8] of 2000, there were 214 people, 95 households, and 66 families residing in the village. The population density was 450.0 people per square mile (172.1/km²). There were 103 housing units at an average density of 216.6 per square mile (82.9/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 99.53% White, and 0.47% from two or more races.
There were 95 households out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.74.
In the village, the population was spread out with 19.6% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 29.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.
Choose the Ideal Dental Hygienist Program near Smithfield IL
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to obtain your education 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, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Smithfield IL.
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