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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lansing IL, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lansing IL employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Lansing IL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive 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 establish professional relationships in the Lansing IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lansing IL dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Lansing IL dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance 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 expenses 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 examining the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lansing IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Lansing IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
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