Although it barely makes it into the country’s fiftieth percentile, in terms of size, Illinois is known for its diverse economic structures and industries. Chicago is the largest metropolis in the state, and a huge transportation hub within Illinois, making it the most popular destination.
However, Illinois also boasts natural resources of coal and timber in the south, as well as great agricultural and small industrial cities in the center region, which diversify the economy and expand opportunities for residents and tourists alike. Illinois is the fifth most populous state, however, despite its small land size, it is not densely populated because the diverse economy allows you to choose different areas to live, as opposed to cluster cities, which are more popular in other states.
Chicago may be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of the Prairie State, but there is so much more to offer in the heart of the Midwest. With access to the great lakes, and one of the busiest airports in the country, Illinois is a wonderful place to call home.
Illinois Dental Hygiene Programs
The most popular school program for aspiring dental hygienists is Dental Hygiene. Illinois has many different options for further education offered throughout the state. Here are some of the many colleges offering dental hygiene programs in Illinois.
| Institute | Address | Website | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malcolm X College | 1900 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612 | www.ccc.edu | AAS |
| Parkland College | 2400 W. Bradley Ave. Champaign, IL 61821 | www.parkland.edu | AAS |
| Prairie State College | 202 S. Halsted St. Chicago Heights, IL 60411 | www.prairiestate.edu | AAS |
| Rock Valley College | 4151 Samuelson Road Rockford, IL 61109 | www.rockvalleycollege.edu | AAS |
| Southern Illinois University | Mail Code 6615 Carbondale, IL 62901 | www.sah.siu.edu | BS-DH |
| William Rainey Harper College | 1200 W. Algonquin Rd. Palatine, IL 60067 | www.harpercollege.edu | AAS |
License Requirements
To be considered for a dental hygienist license in Illinois, you must submit an application and meet the following requirements:
- Certification of successful completion of two academic years of credit from a dental hygiene program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
- Proof of passage of the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination, with a passing score as established by the testing entity given by JCNDE and has been issued a National Board Certificate, mailed to the Division by the JCNDF.
- Proof of successful completion of an examination pursuant to Section 1220.0220 (a) received directly from the testing entity.
- A current certification in BLS from the American Cross, the American Heart Association, or the American Safety and Health Institute or a statement from a licensed physician indicating that the applicant is physically disabled and unable to obtain certification.
Dental Hygienist Salary in Illinois
Projections have shown an estimated growth rate of 20% for dental hygienists within the next seven years. This increase is partly due to the scientific discoveries that have recently linked oral healthcare as vital to general healthcare and well being. Due to their integral role in oral health care, dental hygienists have been in demand, and trends show no signs of a decreased need in the future.
With just over 9,450 dental hygienists in Illinois, there is a great opportunity for development and growth as a dental hygienist in the state. The average annual salary in 2018 for dental hygienists in Illinois was $72,640, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary ranges, and tends to spike closer to larger metropolitan areas, with a decrease in salary, to match the decrease in cost of living in more rural areas.
The majority of dental hygienists are only part time professionals, which tends to lead to an hourly rate. In 2018, the average hourly rate for dental hygienists in Illinois was $34.92, on average. In addition to the salary packages, most dental hygienist professionals also receive benefit packages that include healthcare, retirement plan, pension, disability and time off options.
| Area Name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | 130 | $35.16 | $73,130 |
| Carbondale, Marion | 70 | $29.13 | $60,600 |
| Champaign, Urbana | 200 | $27.99 | $58,220 |
| Chicago, Naperville, Elgin | 7250 | $36.05 | $74,970 |
| Decatur | 50 | $26.13 | $54,340 |
| East Central Illinois | - | $30.48 | $63,400 |
| Kankakee | 90 | $34.17 | $71,080 |
| Northwest Illinois | 360 | $33.22 | $69,090 |
| Peoria | 300 | $31.17 | $64,840 |
| Rockford | 290 | $37.50 | $78,010 |