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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pekin IL, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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 instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Pekin IL employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Pekin IL dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Pekin IL dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Pekin IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. 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 analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Pekin IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Pekin IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
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