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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Saint Clair IL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Although these are significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Saint Clair IL employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides adequate 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, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Saint Clair IL dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Saint Clair IL dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the programs you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Saint Clair IL dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Saint Clair IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Saint Clair IL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, 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 due to work, illness or family issues.
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