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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Edina MN, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Edina MN employers typically prefer 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 available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Edina MN dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for 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 as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Edina MN dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Edina MN dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Edina MN area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Edina MN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
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