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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mattoon IL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Mattoon IL employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Mattoon IL dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to receive hands-on, clinical 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 develop professional relationships in the Mattoon IL dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Check if the programs 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 Mattoon IL dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Ask the programs you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Mattoon IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Mattoon IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Mattoon IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
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