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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wood Dale IL, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Wood Dale IL employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose offers enough 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, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Wood Dale IL dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Wood Dale IL dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Wood Dale IL dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Wood Dale IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Wood Dale IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
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