Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Find the Right One Near South Portland Maine
A critical first step to begin your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the right dental hygienist program near South Portland ME. But before you can make your selection, you need to examine and compare your school options. Choosing the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence is not the right way to come to a decision. There are other crucial factors to consider also, such as the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article.
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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in South Portland ME, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order 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 education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. South Portland ME employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want 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 South Portland ME dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal method to receive 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Check if the schools you are considering 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 South Portland ME dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the South Portland ME dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the South Portland ME area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near South Portland ME 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 procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in South Portland
Enroll in the Right South Portland Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in South Portland Maine.
South Portland Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | South Portland Dental Hygienist Programs