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Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Elk Grove Village IL, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Elk Grove Village IL employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Elk Grove Village IL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching 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 Elk Grove Village IL dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Elk Grove Village IL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs 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 analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Elk Grove Village IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Elk Grove Village IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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