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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Normal IL, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online options also. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Normal IL employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Normal IL dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help obtaining their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Normal IL dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Normal IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs 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, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Normal IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Normal IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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