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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in De Pere WI, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. De Pere WI employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local De Pere WI dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to get 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 professional relationships in the De Pere WI dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the De Pere WI dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are interested in how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the De Pere WI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the De Pere WI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to 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 go to classes near De Pere WI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical 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 responsibilities.
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