How to become a dental hygienist

Dental hygiene is a well-paying career that offers flexibility, high projected growth and specialization, and the ability to challenge oneself in a fast-paced environment. Best of all, it's possible to become a dental hygienist with a three-year associate's degree, thus limiting the expense of higher education. Read on to learn more about this lucrative career path.

Working under the supervision of a licensed dentist, the hygienist performs oral health procedures for patients, including assessments, inspections, and cleanings. They also take X-rays and operate specialized lasers and other equipment to remove stains and repair teeth, as well as assist the dentist during surgical procedures.

There are currently more than 300 dental hygiene education programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, administered at community colleges, technical institutes, and universities. Most are associate degree programs, though bachelor's and master's programs are available for those interested in research, teaching, or clinical practice. In most states, attending a program at a school accredited by the Commission (part of the American Dental Association) is required for eligibility for state licensure.

Entrance requirements vary by program and by state, but most require prerequisite high school courses in biology, chemistry, and math. In some cases, prospective students are required to complete a year of college courses before applying for the dental hygiene program. Once enrolled, dental hygiene students undergo laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction in a range of disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, radiography, pathology, medical ethics, head and neck anatomy, patient management, and periodontics.

Most states require dental hygienists to hold a license, those licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction. Typically, prospective hygienists must pass a state-administered exam with both clinical and written components and obtain CPR certification. Continuing medical education is required to maintain licensure.

Those who complete this career path will enjoy a median annual salary of $72,330, with projected industry growth of more than 19 percent by 2024. While many dental hygienists choose to work at private practices offices, job opportunities abound in a range of settings. For example, hygienists are employed at community clinics, hospitals, universities, prisons, nursing homes, and schools. Some go into public health, while others work for companies that sell oral health products and services.

How To Become A Notary In Illinois

Many businesses need an Illinois notary or notary public, a person the state legally sanctions to certify the legitimacy of signatures on documents.

Why become a notary?

Various documents require a notary to certify the authenticity of the documents and the people signing those papers. Those include business documents, deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney and other official papers. Businesses from law firms to factories need one or more notaries on staff.

What are the requirements to apply?

• Each state has its own regulations. Here are the requirements for applying in Illinois:
• 18 years of age
• U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence
• Photocopy of driver’s license or state ID card
• Must read, write and understand English
• No felony conviction
• State resident for minimum 30 days or resident of qualifying border state while employed in Illinois for minimum 30 days
• $10 filing fee
• $5000 notary public bond
• Applicant's signature notarized by a notary public in Illinois
• Applicant has not had a notary commission revoked or suspended in past 10 years

What are qualifying bordering states?

You can live in a bordering state and hold a notary position in Illinois if you have worked in Illinois for at least the last 30 days. But you can only receive a notary if your state's laws qualify it. Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin meet the criteria. If you live in Indiana, you should contact the Illinois officials to see if you qualify.

Where can you get a public bond?

• Any bonding business qualified to issue surety bonds in the state of Illinois can write a bond. Beware of companies that do not have a good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Not all bonding companies are authorized by the state of Illinois.
• Using an organization to get your license
• Some organizations or associations help people obtain their notary public. You are not required to use associations or agencies. They are not associated with the government. Often, these organizations offer a package deal including a notary bond, notary seal and assist people with the application.
• Check each one's BBB status because some are unreliable. Choose one with an A or A+ rating and compare costs and services rendered.

Resources
Illinois Secretary of State
Notary Division
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: (217) 782-7017

The Illinois Notary Public Handbook

Chicago financial advisor

Managing Your Budget in A Small Business

When it comes to operating a small business, there are two plans that are crucial for maximizing your odds of success. The first is the business plan, which gives you framework to execute and succeed with your strategy. The second (and equally important) plan is the small business budget. It's much more than buying some budget software and thinking that will solve your problems. Creating and managing a budget will give your small business the needed financial discipline in order to survive and thrive in a competitive, ever-changing marketplace.

How To Create and Manage a Small Business Budget
Here is a step by step plan to create a budget for your small business.

Research and Organize Your Revenues and Costs
If you are just starting your business, and do not have previous cost data, research the average revenue and expense data for your industry. These will give you an idea of what your revenue and cost numbers will be, enabling you to create a realistic budget.

If you are already in business, simply organize your existing sales and cost data. When it comes to organizing your data, follow the "keep it simple, silly" or "KISS" principle. Do not create line items for every little expense; instead organize your expenses into categories such as "office supplies", "labor", "marketing", "rent", and other general categories.

Once You Have A Budget, Compare It With Your Actual Sales and Costs
Budget versus actual analysis is crucial in order to utilize your budget and effectively manage your finances. Run this analysis monthly, make a part of your routine. You can't just focus on the day to day operations, effective strategic planning is required for success, and analysis is a component of this planning.

Find Areas of Improvement, and Act Quickly
Once you are maintaining a budget, and running analysis against your actual performance, you will be able to look at the data, determine the reason behind this performance issue, and quickly make change that will increase cash inflows, decrease cash outflows, and materially enhance your profitability.

When It Comes to Your Budget, Flexibility is Key
Do not be too rigid when it comes to sticking to your small business budget. The budget is a tool for keeping effective track of your business performance. If you see any variance in your analysis that is negatively impacting your business, create a plan and act on it, do not dwell on past issues, focus on improvements for the future.

Creating a small business plan may be daunting at first, but, as the months progress, and you become more and more proficient at recording and analyzing your business performance, you will become a better small business owner, and greatly improve your chances of success.