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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in West Chicago IL, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, 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 education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. West Chicago IL employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local West Chicago IL dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal way to receive hands-on, practical 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the West Chicago IL dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the West Chicago IL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to 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. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the West Chicago IL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near West Chicago IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
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