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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Grosse Pointe Woods MI, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Grosse Pointe Woods MI employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Grosse Pointe Woods MI dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Grosse Pointe Woods MI dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Grosse Pointe Woods MI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Grosse Pointe Woods MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? 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 receiving your education and need to attend classes near Grosse Pointe Woods MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, 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 need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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